Newsletter February 2025
AISC February Newsletter Update
Welcome to our February club newsletter, with the 2025 Hockey Season just around the corner, we have some important updates for you all.
Meet our 2025 Executive Team, voted in at our last AGM in November last year, who are working hard for its members behind the scenes.
Raj Pancha - President
This is my 6th year as president and an additional year as Chairman, it's been my honour to help navigate the club over these past years. With nearly 50 years of hockey and cricket experience, the club has become part of the fabric of who I am. I am passionate and dedicated to helping guide the club into the evolving future.
Vinod Patel - Secretary
Vinod has been a continuous Executive Member since 1991, except when he was on the AHA Executive. Has held roles of Treasurer, Chairman, and President. He has been part of the Club Council since 1991, where he was the chairman for several years. He also held the position of chairman of Auckland Hockey twice.
Sanjay Soma – Hockey Director
Sanjay has been a playing member for the last 45 years and is loyal and passionate about all things hockey, cricket, coaching, leadership and moving AISC into the future. He has been our Junior Hockey Coordinator for the last four years and an executive member spanning the last three decades.
Niran Iswar – Finance & Strategy Director
Niran brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning; Niran brings a wealth of expertise to his role at AISC. A passionate sports enthusiast with a strong background in commercial business and community involvement, Niran has consistently dedicated his time to the pursuits he loves. He is committed to advancing AISC’s vision, promoting excellence, and ensuring the club's sustainable financial health. Niran’s leadership and strategic insights are instrumental in driving the organization forward, fostering a culture of transparency, and aligning financial strategies with AISC’s long-term goals.
Rupesh Patel – Business Development and Growth Director
Rupesh is incredibly excited to take on the role of Business Development and Growth Director for AISC. This is a fantastic opportunity to help drive the club’s growth, build valuable sponsorship relationships, and form strategic partnerships that will elevate our club to new heights. With his focus on strengthening our community connections, expanding our resources, and ensuring the club’s long-term success.
Vijay Patel – Governance Director
Vijay is excited to take up the newly created role, to help shape the future of the club and explore the opportunities that can be created as we change our constitution to align with new regulations and requirements. There are a few key initiatives that will help provide better guidance to the club, committee, and our members, which will set the course for the club for many years to come.
Alpesh Patel - Cricket Director
Alpesh has been a very active member of the club for the past 28 years, having various roles in the cricket portfolio over the many years. Alpesh is very driven to increase the club’s profile in cricket and has some exciting new initiatives we will be looking to implement.
Nilesh Bhula - Marketing Director
Nilesh brings a wealth of sales, marketing and leadership experience to the role and has been associated with the club since the age of 6 years old. He is very excited about his role, where his key focus will be providing greater communication, and updates on up-and-coming club events, to keep the community across what’s happening in their club.
AISC U23 Men’s Tournament – Managers Report
The 2025 New Zealand Indian Under-23 Hockey Tournament took place over the weekend of February 1st and 2nd in Rotorua. The U23 squad was led by head coach Deelan Patel, with Akeel Patel serving as the assistant coach. The team selection process was supported by the expertise of Blair Tarrant and Stephen Jenness, whose experience and insight helped form a competitive lineup.
Day 1
We kicked off the tournament with our first game of the day against Waikato Indians (WAISC). It was a tough, hard-fought battle, with both teams bringing intensity right from the start. The boys showed great discipline and determination, managing to break through with a crucial goal to secure a 1-0 victory.
Next up, we faced Pukekohe (PISC) in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter. The boys fought hard throughout the game, with both teams creating chances and pushing each other to the limit. At full-time, the score was locked at 2-2, forcing the match into a tense shootout.
With everything on the line, goalkeeper Shakeel stepped up massively, delivering an outstanding performance by saving 5 out of 5 penalty attempts! His heroics in goal gave us the edge, and we secured the shootout victory 1-0.
Day 2
To close out the tournament, we faced Wellington (WISC) in a must-win game to secure the NZISA U23 Cup. The boys gave it everything in an intense, back-and-forth match, with both teams battling hard. The game ended in a 3-3 draw, sending us into yet another shootout—and once again, the boys held their nerve when it mattered most, securing the shootout win!
With 7 points, we finished level with Waikato, but since we had already beaten them on Saturday, we officially brought home the cup! It was an incredible team effort throughout the tournament, with standout performances from everyone.
A huge congratulations to Yash Khushal, who was named MVP of the tournament for his outstanding performances across the weekend. His skill and work ethic were instrumental in our success. A special shoutout as well to Shakeel Kanji, Jayden Dahya, Raanik Patel, Yash Khushal, and Armani Punga, who were all selected for the Tournament Team—a testament to their incredible efforts on the field.
A massive thank you to NZISA for putting on yet another fantastic tournament and to the Bay of Plenty Indians for hosting such a well-organized and exciting event. Your efforts in bringing together the best young hockey talent in the country are truly appreciated!
To everyone who supported us throughout the tournament, thank you! The boys fought hard, stayed composed under pressure, and came away as champions! What a weekend!
Managers Report By Priya Kanji
85th Jubilee Publication Update By Nuggin Lala
I know it has been a drawn-out process, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our sports club's 85-year history is currently with the publishers, Egan Publishing. The manuscript has been thoroughly reviewed by committee members N. Lala, V. B. Patel, J. Keshaw, and D. Lala. During the review, we found spelling mistakes and incorrect names on team photos. Additionally, two chapters required reordering. These adjustments are expected to take some time, but we are hopeful the publishers will address them promptly. Once finalized, the book will be sent for colour printing. This book is not just a collection of stories—it is a testament to our rich legacy, highlighting the dedication, teamwork, and passion that have kept our club thriving for nearly a century. We want everyone in our community to feel a part of this journey, and your support is crucial to making this milestone event truly special.
📅 Upcoming Events:
Book Launch Planning Meeting (TBC)
The committee will meet to finalize the launch date, venue, guest list, and potential sponsorship options for marketing. This event is shaping up to be a momentous occasion, and we encourage everyone to participate in planning and sharing ideas to make it a grand success. Whether you have experience in event planning, or marketing, or simply want to lend a helping hand, your contribution will be invaluable. Additionally, the distribution of the book will be a key discussion point. We want to ensure every member and supporter of the club gets a copy and be part of this historic moment.
💡 Get Involved: Do you have ideas on how to make the launch unforgettable? Would you like to help organize, promote, or even find sponsors to market/promote the event and to help cover the costs involved? Now is the perfect time to step forward and make a difference! Reach out to the Nuggin Lala and let’s work together to celebrate our club’s incredible history in the best way possible.
📣 Member Spotlight: A big thank you to our committee members for their dedication to reviewing and refining the book manuscript! Their hard work is ensuring that our club’s story is told accurately and beautifully.
📬 Stay Connected: Follow AISC on Instagram and Facebook and visit [aisc.org.nz] for updates and announcements. Also, sign up for newsletters via the website.
“I am certainly looking forward to the day when we can hold the book in our hands – it has been a monumental labour of love. Let’s make history together!”
Nuggin Lala
Mobile: 021 035 8717
Strategic Plan Update
Members of the Executive met with Sport Auckland in the last week of January 2025 to prepare our Strategic Plan for the next 5 years. This plan considers where we are now and where we want to be in the future, and the strategies to enable us to achieve our goals.
It will involve an online survey being sent to all members towards the end of February 2025. Your input is vital in formulating the plan so AISC can better serve its membership. To get the true voice of members, it needs to be honest and constructive. Sport Auckland will then present the results to our members. A workshop will be held to help inform a working group of the final plan aiming to be completed in the latter half of 2025.
Your input is necessary in this process, and we encourage you to be active in formulating our plan.
Please contact Vijay Patel in the first instance if you would like to be part of this working group.
Vijay Patel
Mobile: 021 733 093
Auckland Hockey Update
Auckland Hockey has recently held working groups to review the youth and senior hockey competitions, to better serve the hockey community. Each club had representation at these workshops where possible, which is important to inform the direction of the Auckland Hockey Club competitions.
Following the AHA Board approval of the review recommendations, the following approach for 2025 and beyond.
A summary of some of the proposed changes is as follows:
Youth
* Premier grades will move to Sunday (meaning all Youth grades play on Sunday).
* Youth age will be dropped from U18 to U16 to address the size disparity with 13/14-year-olds playing 17/18-year-olds at Champ grade level in particular.
* Dispensation for 17 & 18 year olds will be provided based on ability to play e.g. new to hockey etc.
* This change opens up Friday night for Youth representative opportunities.
* With all youth teams playing on Sunday grading will be much easier and fairer.
* Formats to be confirmed upon confirmation of team entries.
Start Date: Sunday 4th May
Finals: Sunday 17th August
Public Holiday No Play Dates: Kings Birthday (1st June) and Matariki (22nd June)
School Holidays: No Play on 29th June & 6th July. Options for deferrals for 13th July (private school extra holiday week on 13th - 20th July).
Senior Divisional
Status quo for 2025.
Grade formats are to be confirmed upon receipt of team entries.
17- or 18-week competition.
Start Date: Weekend 29th/30th March
Finials: Sunday 16th/17th August
Public Holiday No Play Dates: Kings Birthday (1st June) and Matariki (22nd June)
2026 Changes
In 2026 the intent is to move all divisional Senior grades to 8 team grades, which allows consistent scheduling across all grades with each grade splitting into top 4/bottom 4 competitions after double round robin. We are signalling changes for 2026 now, meaning 2025 placings will serve as grading for lower-placed teams if required.
Colin Maiden Park will be online for the 2026 Winter season (construction of turfs estimated to be October 2025) and would help with the spread of extra games on Saturdays with the proposed grade structure.
Intercity Prems and Reserves
Status quo for 2025.
In line with the original two-year commitment to the current format for 2024 and 2025 made after the 2023 review.
- Comprehensive review during the season with Harbour.
- Exploration of potential inclusion of other regions for further expansion.
Start Date: Weekend 16th/17th March
Finials: Sunday 16th/17th August
Public Holiday No Play Dates: Kings Birthday (1st June) and Matariki (22nd June)
AISC Event Calendar
We would love to see you at some of the upcoming events coming up
2025 Junior Hockey Muster - Sunday 16th February from 2 – 4 pm at Avondale College
2025 Bombay Cup – Our AISC Premier Team take on PISC in the battle of the Bombay Cup. Sunday 23rd February at 1 pm at Avondale College
2025 New Zealand Indian Hockey Championship will be hosted by Waikato Indian Sports Club in Hamilton this year from 31st May to 2 June.
Well, that wraps up our February update, should you have any questions or queries please feel free to reach out to any of our Executive team or contact us at info@aisc.org.nz
Regards
AISC Executive Team