22 July 2008

Across the oceans for Gold!

By Zebunisso Alimova

Nirwair Singh, a 1st year DISS (Diploma in International Sport Studies) student from India, just arrived in April and has already got a gold medal. Nirwair was playing in the winning team at the National Indian Hockey Tournament held in Rotorua from 31st May to 2nd June. Over three days eight teams from all around New Zealand competed against each other for the trophy and the Gold.

Nirwair was selected to join the Central District (CD) hockey team and participate in the tournament only one week before the tournament took place. Karl Gill, Director of Corporate Services at IPC, personally covered Nirwair's expenses to travel to Rotorua and participate in the game.

The team was initially playing in the B Grade, but ended up playing in the A Grade. The Central District team were delighted to compete against other high-level hockey players, some of whom were international hockey players.

Nirwair loved this experience. He explained that his team lost the first game they played during the tournament on the Saturday, because the team members were feeling tired and un-coordinated after the long bus ride from Palmerston North. However, they pulled it together and every match after that was a triumph.

On the third day of the tournament, Nirwairs Central District team had a stressful, closely fought match against Auckland's A Team. Nirwair managed to score in a tie-breaker and the match closed with the score at 7 to 6 in Central Districts favour.

It was the first time in 15 years that the Central Districts Team won the Gold and it is believed that Nirwair played a crucial part in this achievement. The next challenge for Nirwair is playing for the New Zealand Indian Team, which is scheduled to play in an international tournament to be held in Malaysia in November. Nirwair hopes he can do well and bring back some more Gold.

Mr. Nirwair Singh proudly shows his gold medal

This picture of Mr Singh appeared in the local newspaper, the "Manawatu Standard". It was taken during a game in Palmerston North when a coloured ball had to be used, because a hailstorm made it extremely hard for the players to see the white ball

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