I recently attended the Inter Kabaddi tournament here in Tauranga and spoke at the prize giving for the Sikh Temple in Oropi. During the tournament, I enjoyed watching sporting matchers that originated in Ancient India and were now being played in New Zealand. I also felt particular joy as I noticed that the New Zealand flag was being flown high. I was gathered among many New Zealand citizens of Indian ethnic origin who displayed great passion for New Zealand.
At the Sikh Temple, I spoke about the importance of culture and the way that sport can often connect us to our culture. At the Inter Kabaddi tournament sport was connecting us to two cultures as people passionate about this country celebrated sport and culture as proud New Zealanders.
Many of you will know that I have spent a great part of my life learning and teaching Judo, a sport originating in Japan. And social scientist are now saying that the world's next generation are likely to grow up thinking of the All Blacks, as opposed to their own nation's rugby team. Celebrating the sport of different nations is a fantastic way of bringing all of us closer together. I was honoured to have the opportunity to do this among members of our very own, diverse community here in Tauranga.
