KUALA LUMPUR: Competition at the Gurdwara Cup and Sikh Festival of Sports, which begins today, is expected to be more intense this year with the introduction of new events and more competitors.
Organising chairman Datuk Baldev Singh Kailay said that pool and darts have been included this year, alongside hockey, football, netball, badminton and golf.
The event will be held at various venues until Saturday.
"This year we have 900 athletes competing from all across Malaysia as well as Singapore. They (Singapore) have always participated in this competition since the first edition," said Baldev when met during the opening ceremony at Royal Selangor Club, Bukit Kiara today.
"We decided to incorporate darts and pool this year to make it more exciting for our younger comepetitors.
"As always, we hope all the athletes will compete to the best of their efforts in a disiciplined manner.
"Usually Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Perak are among the stronger states while Singapore are also very good in football."
Baldev is also president of the Kuala Lumpur Sikh Sports Recreation Club.
The football, netball, badminton and golf competitions are being held in Bukit Kiara while the hockey tournament is being hosted at Stadium Tun Razak.
The pool and darts competitions are being held at Grandstand Sports Bar in Petaling Jaya.
With the exception of a brief break during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Gurdwara Cup has been held annually since 1952.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh officiated the opening ceremony in Bukit Kiara today. Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria also attended the event.