Sport
Gallery | Shepparton sports precinct sets scene for Vaisakhi hockey festival
The Shepparton sports precinct plays host to all types of occasions — most recently, a culturally-themed hockey showcase.
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Saturday brought the heat to the affectionately named smurf turf, where 18 teams from local regions and beyond converged in the north end of town to take part in the Vaisakhi hockey festival.
The event was a bumper hit-out for competitors near and far, with the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association at the forefront of organisation alongside the Sikh Alliance of Shepparton and Hockey Victoria.
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe was on hand to take in the festivities, continuing a run of weekend appearances which saw her among other local representatives at the Shepp Feathers badminton tournament a week prior.
Running the whole day, there was plenty to enjoy on the pitches, but arguably just as much off it, as cultural markings and demonstrations combined with food trucks to provide a distinctly Indian flavour to the occasion.
With something for everyone on offer, Rechelle Zammit captured the atmosphere from behind her lens for The News.
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Flaming Flamingos' Charlotte Stevens takes off on a run. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 13
Aussie Punjabis' Satta Sandhu and Flaming Flamingos' Tayah Irwin almost come tangled in a contest. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 13
There was plenty of interest in the cultural exhibition out beyond the white line. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 13
Aussie Punjabis' Karmu Gill Manuel and Flaming Flamingos' Riley Law get after it out wide. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 13
The food trucks earned their share of attention all the same. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 13
BCA Red's Elke Williams and Pelicans' Aidan Hamill go to contest the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 13
BCA Red's Elke Williams and Pelicans' Zara Noonan enter a footrace on the flank. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 13
Aussie Punjabi's Manpreet Deal keeps it under close control. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 13
Pelicans' Fin McLeod has passing options ahead. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 13
Pelicans' Reuben Davi swings a pass away ahead of BCA Red's Lily Donovan. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 13
Flaming Flamingos' Charlotte Stevens has a bit of time and space to play. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 13
Pelicans' Aidan Hamill distributes a short lateral ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 13
Caterers Jaswinder Singh, Avtar Singh and Sukrhaj Singh kept themselves plenty busy during the festivities. Photo by Rechelle ZammitSports Journalist