Jubilee Book

Sporting Foundations of New Zealand Indians

A fifty year history of the New Zealand Indian Sports Association

2012 was the NZISA’s 50th Jubilee but its story extends back to the 1930s with the founding of the first Indian Sports clubs in 1935 and 1936 after being inspired by the touring All India Hockey team. Sport became a vehicle that assisted young Indians to integrate into a sports mad New Zealand society, but just as importantly, it allowed them to connect with their fellow countrymen in different cities within New Zealand.

Eight member clubs were formed throughout New Zealand and under the banner of the national body, New Zealand Indian Sports Association; they have recorded fifty years of national hockey tournaments and expanded to include a multitude of sports throughout the year for men and women of Indian descent in New Zealand.

The fact that most of NZISA’s member clubs can reflect on at least 50 years in existence demonstrates that they remain relevant to their communities, and for that reason alone this story had to be told.

This beautiful 240 page hard cover publication outlines the history of NZISA and its member clubs, which has been written by principal writer Dr. Geoff Watson, Senior Lecturer in History at Massey University. The book includes numerous photographs collated from sportsmen and women and spectators from around New Zealand.

This is a must have book for all sporting enthusiasts and historians. At the great price of $30 each (plus postage) use the contact form to place your order.