Episode Details

I’ve always believed that sports do more than just keep us fit; they weave a community together. When I sat down to listen to Jagdev Singh talk about the Baba Budha Ji Sports Club, that feeling was everywhere. Based in Pakenham, this club isn't just about hitting a ball over a net—it’s about legacy, discipline, and a ten-year journey that has led them to become a powerhouse in the Victorian volleyball scene.

As we look toward the 38th Australian Sikh Games Melbourne 2026, the excitement is hitting a fever pitch. Baba Budha Ji Sports Club is preparing to defend its reputation as a gold-medal-winning elite. In this episode of the Radio Haanji podcast, host Ranjodh Singh talks with Jagdev Singh about how a local club from Pakenham managed to beat some of the biggest university teams in the state and what they have planned for the upcoming games.

What is Baba Budha Ji Sports Club?

Established formally about a decade ago in the Pakenham area of Victoria, the club was born from a passion for volleyball. While they started with a small group of international students and enthusiasts, they have grown into a massive organization with around 60 active volleyball players. Today, they field four volleyball teams and two basketball teams, recently even introducing a women’s volleyball team to encourage broader community participation.

The club operates under the leadership of President Onkar Singh and Treasurer Jagdev Singh, supported by Secretary Harkanwaljit Singh and Coordinator Harman Singh. Their mission is simple: to provide a positive, inclusive, and competitive environment for Punjabi youth. If you are looking for other clubs focused on similar goals, you might want to check out the Sikh United Melbourne youth development pathways.

A Winning Streak: Victorian State League to Sikh Games

The club’s resume is genuinely impressive. They aren't just playing for fun; they are playing at the highest levels of the sport in Australia.

• Victorian State League: For three consecutive years, the club has been the Gold Medalist in the State League, competing against elite local clubs and top-tier university teams like Monash.

• Australian Sikh Games: They have secured the Gold Medal in Division 1 twice, making them a "team to beat" for the 2026 tournament.

• State Representation: Three of their star players—Kanni Sangha (Captain), Jyota (Ranjodh Singh), and Pawanjit Singh—represent the Victorian State Team in the Australian Super League.

This level of success doesn't happen by accident. It’s the result of a rigorous training schedule. The team meets every Sunday and Wednesday evening for sessions that have not stopped for a single week in ten years. Much of this success is attributed to their coach, Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, who brings national and international experience to the Pakenham courts.

Preparing for Sikh Games 2026 Melbourne

The upcoming Australian Sikh Games 2026 will be a home-turf battle for the Melbourne-based club. Jagdev Singh emphasized that while they used to rely heavily on international players, the focus has shifted. They are now actively recruiting and training "born and bred" local kids from Melbourne's South East.

This focus on the next generation ensures that the club’s legacy will continue long after the current veterans retire. They are following a model similar to other successful clubs in the region, such as the Diamond Sports Club, which also balances multiple sports like basketball and volleyball.

Feature Baba Budha Ji Sports Club Details Primary Sport Volleyball (4 Teams) Second