In the spirit of friendship, sports and fun for all Sindhis Friday March 30th to Sunday April 1st 2018, JakartaThe Sindhi SEA Games originally started in 2010 in Malacca and were then named the Singapore-Malaysia Sindhi Games. The 2nd SG-MY Games in the series were held in Singapore in 2016. In this 3rd of the series, we had Indonesia as hosts, and the Philippines – a total of 4 countries. Team Singapore Sindhis participated with a 98 strong contingent including 75 participants in the various sports, supporters, parents and children from all ages.  Representing Team Singapore in Jakarta made it a proud moment for all participants and their families.  In total there were about over 250 sporting participants and about 100 supporters from all 4 countries. Our gracious hosts in Jakarta made the 2018 Games a memorable and fun weekend for all of us. This event provided a great platform for Sindhis of all ages, including youths from across the region to come together to compete in the spirit of true sportsmanship, grow our friendships and to have fun.

The Grand Mercure Hotel in Jakarta was the official hotel for the Games, and the Gandhi Memorial International School was the official venue for most of the sports.

The official opening ceremony for the Games was held at the Sindhu House in Jakarta. Mr Shyam Jethnani, President of the Sindhi Association in Indonesia (Gandhi Seva Loka) and Chairman of the 2018 Games Organizing Committee led the formalities, welcomed all participants and declared the Games open. The founder of the Sindhi Games, Datuk Shah Lalchand Ranai, who is also the President of the Sindhi Association of Malaysia, delivered his message outlining the history of the games and its growth to the current level. He also welcomed all delegates and thanked the hosts for their tireless efforts in bringing this vision to reality. Mr Vashdev Khialani, President of SSA and Mr Ram Sitaldas, the leader of the Sindhi community in the Philippines thanked the hosts and all participants for making it to the Games. All players were presented with a medal from our hosts for their participation at the Games. Entertainment along with dinner and drinks followed the Opening Ceremony with participants mingling and getting to know their neighbours, guests and the teams.  Renowned singer, Ashish Thadani kept the crowd on their feet dancing to his memorable repertoire of old and new songs throughout the evening. The Darts competition kicked off the Games that

evening – a very keenly contested battle amongst the 3 teams. Team SG, led by Captain Sam Dayani, beat Malaysia in the first match, but lost narrowly to the host country. Team Malaysia then beat Indonesia in an extremely tight 3rd match.  With the overall standings tied, it was then decided to declare all three teams as joint champions for the darts competition – a truly united championship spirit right from day one.

Teams enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast together the next morning at the hotel before heading to the nearby Gandhi school for the Day 2 matches. Table tennis and badminton were first up and Indonesia as host country had the largest representation in both these games. The badminton competition was played across 3 age groups – juniors (under 16 years), open category and seniors (above 40 years old). Team SG came in second in all categories.

Our Juniors and Seniors teams did really well to put up a strong challenge against a tough Team Indonesia, finishing second to the hosts. Likewise our Open team were also runners up to Indonesia, ahead of Team Malaysia in all categories. In the Open individual competition, Badminton team captain Ashok Chandiramani came in second.

In Table tennis, Team SG were runners up to Indonesia in the team competition.  Dhiraj Bablani (Team SG) turned the tables around winning the SEA Games singles individual champion in the final defeating Indonesia. He had earlier partnered Rahul Shamdasani to win the silver in the closely contested doubles competition. Team SG also won the joint bronze medal in the doubles contest.

All players and supporters were treated to a light and tasty buffet lunch at the school before the much awaited 11-a-side soccer competition kicked off in the afternoon. Defending Champions Team SG, captained

by Ravin Vasandani, were crowned Soccer Champions for the third time at the Games, beating Malaysia (3-0), and Indonesia on penalties after a hard fought goalless draw. An entertaining live commentary was provided

for each match pulling large crowds to the pitch to support their teams.  In addition to the regular open team players, Team SG comprised of junior and senior players too that played hard to compete – well represented sweet victory for Team SG.

Players and supporters refreshed themselves and gathered at the Anchol bowling and billiards centre for the evening program. Kudos to the organizers, this turned out to be the perfect venue for all participants to network/mingle, catch up on the days matches, enjoy the good food and drinks, and to cheer on their competing teams in the bowling and 15 ball pool competition. Team SG, led by captain Haresh Sadhwani (Chiman) again gave Indonesia a tough challenge in the pool matches emerging runners up. In bowling, Indonesia and Philippines who were strong favourites did not disappoint the crowd in a tightly fought game with Indonesia winning the team competition. Our teams had a lot of fun finishing in 4th position. Team Philippines later picked up their first winners medal at the Games winning the individual competition.

Day 3 (Sunday) started with the exciting 5-a-side Futsal competition across all 3 age categories in a carnival like setting at the Gandhi School. A good turnout and great support from across all 4 countries cheered their teams on. Team SG fielded 2 teams each in the junior and senior categories, which allowed all travelling players to play. Both our Senior teams, captained by Anil Chugani did really well to win their groups and were declared joint champions while Team SG finished second in the Junior and Open competitions.

Next was ladies/girls Captains’ Ball where our Team SG came together to put up a winning performance convincingly beating Malaysia to be crowned Champions for the second time at the Games. The tug of war competition got underway as the sky started to open up.  Team Malaysia earned their first winning medal beating both Singapore in a difficult match, and Indonesia. A well-deserved victory for our friends across the causeway.

Another delicious full spread buffet lunch (pawa, local mutton, chats etc from Zanas) from our hosts preceded the closing ceremony and prize presentation on Sunday, bring together all participants, families and supporters. Congratulatory messages to all teams and “thank you Indonesia” messages were going all round as Mr Shyam Daryani from the organizing committee delivered the Games closing message. He reflected on

the 3 days of competition that brought us all sporting Sindhis together for friendship and fun. Trophies were presented to all teams in the various sports with lots of supporters and friends cheering their favourite players/teams as they were called up. Datuk Shah Ranai, the founder of the Sindhi Games once again

delivered his closing address thanking the hosts, and ending with a firm call that our next Games will be held in 2020 at a host city to be determined later. Manila and KL are probable venues being discussed. He also presented specialplaques members of the Organizing committee, and to key individuals from the region that made the 2018 Games a success.

It was truly a memorable afternoon as all teams, friends and families celebrated their victories and wished

everyone all the best until we meet again soon. New friends were made, many were renewed and strengthened, but the true spirit of sportsmanship amongst Sindhis from all age groups prevailed throughout the Games.

On behalf of Singapore Sindhi Association and Team Singapore, SSA President Vashi Khialani presented a plaque to thank the hosts for their tireless efforts, great hospitality and excellent choice of venues in making the 2018 Games a success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Datuk Shah Ranai for his leadership in gathering the support and for championing the vision of the Sindhi SEA Games.

The SSA leadership appreciated the efforts put in by the Team SG Organizing Committee of the Sindhi SEA Games 2018. Their efforts in encouraging participation across the community (98 strong contingent!), organizing practice/ selection trials, driving sponsorships, and supporting the host country in shaping the Games were greatly acknowledged, and commendable. Teamwork was the key to success in organizing such large events and the encouragement that the Committee got from the SSA was super — always very forthcoming.  In addition, many thanks to Mr Vashi Chandiramani our new President of SSA for his support.

And last but by no means least, we would like to thank all our sporting participants, their families, our super supporters, and our generous sponsors for their contributions, and most importantly for being a part of Team SG at these Games. This would not have been such a fun event without so many of you joining us. Thank you and we look forward to your participation in many more sporting events to come in the near future.

Organizing Committee, Team

SingaporeSindhi SEA Games 2018

Anil Chugani                        Ashok Chandiramani                      Arun Ramchandani

Chandan Mahtani              Haresh Sadhwani (Chiman)         Munish Sherwani

Sanjay Samnani                   Vijay Sabnani