In a bid to foster unity among Singaporeans, migrant workers and Permanent Residents, the Singapore Indian Association (IA) organised its second annual Red Dot sports fiesta on Sunday.
The day-long programme was aligned with Singapore’s 58th birthday and IA’s centenary celebrations.
More than 150 people gathered at IA’s Balestier Road ground and participated in kabaddi, silambattam, football, futsal, cricket and hockey matches. There was also yoga for women.
IA president K. Tamil Maran said this year’s sports events focused on the importance of traditional Indian games such as silambattam and kabaddi, which was won by Puthugai Brother.
“To help grow the relationship among the diverse groups in Singapore, IA encourages everyone to make use of our facilities,” said Mr Maran.
“We will continue to host such bonding opportunities and be a pillar of growth to our nation.”
Mr Vijayabalan, who left India 20 years ago to work in Singapore, trains Nagai Sports Club kabaddi players.
“Games like kabaddi allow migrant workers to interact with the locals and share their love for Singapore and sport,” he said.
IA board of games chairman Joseph Pragasam said the sports fiesta encourages healthy competiion.
“With IA’s and the nation’s birthday happening a day after the other, it gave us the perfect opportunity to bond migrant workers and locals, just like during the kampung days. It also gave us the opportunity to learn from each other.”
IA member and former national hockey player Jeevanandhan M, 67, said he had been playing at the Balestier Road fields since his youth and the games kept him healthy and active. “I have been playing with my friends for many years. I made new friends of all ages at the Red Dot sports fiesta.”
Mr A. Govindasamy, 63, who has been playing football at IA for 40 years, said: “Competitions like Red Dot give everyone a chance to meet new players and practise. IA will continue to support young players in every sport.”
