May Newsletter 2026
AISC May 2026 Newsletter Update
Message From The President
Welcome everyone,
The countdown is on for this weekend’s fierce rivalry at the annual King’s Birthday NZISA Hockey Championships!
Our teams are well prepared, highly motivated, and ready to make their mark against some very strong rivals. Both of our men’s teams have the quality and depth to go deep into the tournament, while our women’s side receives a major boost with the welcome return of Shayna Narsai.
As always, we know our passionate supporters will bring the energy from the sidelines and help lift our teams throughout the weekend.
For everyone making the trip to Palmerston North, travel safely and take care on the roads.
If you can’t make it down, be sure to catch the action via the live stream. The YouTube link is available on the NZISA Facebook page.
Closer to home, the Auckland Hockey Association is hosting a fantastic week of international hockey at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga, featuring China’s Men’s Hockey Team.
The series includes three matches against the Vantage NZ Black Sticks Men, along with two games against an Auckland Invitational side — and best of all, entry is FREE.
Click on the Auckland hockey website for the Match Schedule: https://akhockey.org.nz/\
Get down to Lloyd Elsmore Park and support our own Benji Culhane and Sean Findlay as they prepare for the Nations Cup in South Africa this June, followed by the Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands in August 2026.
Good luck to all our teams this weekend — play hard, represent proudly, and enjoy the occasion!
Raj Pancha
President
2026 King's Birthday NZ Indian Hockey Championships
A big congratulations to our players who have been selected to represent AISC at this year’s 2026 NZIHC Tournament. We wish our teams all the very best for the weekend competition!
Live Stream Link: https://www.nzisa.org.nz/livestream
Premier Men & Premier Reserves Season Update
2026 Premier Men Report
With our 2026 season now underway, the team is already showing exciting potential and promise. This year, we’re fortunate to have a well-balanced squad — a mix of experienced and representative players, alongside some familiar faces and a few new additions who are settling in well.
The boys are lucky to once again be coached by former Black Sticks players Blair Tarrant and Stephen Jenness, whose knowledge and experience remain invaluable.
We’re looking forward to what lies ahead this season and to the continued growth this group will show.
Squad:
Benji Culhane
Harrison Davis
Mercer Davis
Dipesh Dahya
Jayden Dahya
Andy Dalman
Luke Elmes
Sean Findlay
Jaiden Gosha
Hamesh Govind
Chantz Wilson Harding
Kieran Chibba
Josh Irwin
Steve Jenness
Deelan Patel
Akeel Patel
Miten Patel
Jayan Parbhu
Rahul Naickar
Keshan Narsai
Devan Narsai
Oscar Nation
Jake Smith
Joey Yoon
Blair Tarrant
*Yash Patel - Youth train on player
Management:
Coaches: Blair Tarrant & Stephen Jenness
Manager: Priya McCallum
Draw/Results:
Saturday 11th April: VS Roskill Eden @ Roskill 2:30 pm (1 - 2 Loss)
Saturday 18th April: VS Somerville @ Avondale 1 pm (6 - 2 Win)
Saturday 25th April: VS Takapuna @ Avondale 4 pm (0 - 3 Loss)
Saturday 2nd May: VS ABC @ Avondale 1 pm (5 - 3 Win)
Saturday 9th May: VS NSU @ Avondale 4 pm (4 - 3 Win)
Saturday 16th May VS Howick @ LEP 1 pm (5 - 6 Loss)
Saturday 23 May vs ABC N Harbour 1 pm (1 - 0 Win)
Upcoming Matches
Saturday 6 Jun TBC (5th place playoff Intercity Comp)
Saturday 13 Jun v Southern – Kolmar 1 pm (AHA Comp)
Priya McCallum
Manager
2026 Premier Reserve Men's Report
This year’s Prem Reserve team is made up of a great group of players, including rotating premier players, returning team members from last season, and some talented younger schoolboys coming through.
While results haven’t quite gone our way yet, the team has shown fantastic resilience, improvement, and a really positive attitude over the past few weeks. The support and experience from the Premier players, along with Akeel’s coaching and guidance, have made a big impact on the group, and I’ve also come on board to help where I can.
The extra support around the team is already making a real difference. The boys’ work ethic, confidence, and overall culture continue to grow each week, which is really encouraging for the season ahead.
There’s still plenty to keep working on, but the attitude at practice and on game days has been outstanding. The willingness to learn, improve, and keep turning up for each other has been one of the biggest positives so far. With time together, building combinations and consistency, the results will come.
A big thank you as well to all the supporters who continue to back the boys each week — it genuinely means a lot to the team.
Results so far:
AISC - Takapuna (2 - 7)
AISC - Hibiscus DF (0 - 4)
AISC - Nth Shore United (2 - 3)
AISC - Southern (2 - 7)
AISC - Somerville (1 - 2)
AISC - Waiau Pa (3 - 4)
Upcoming Matches:
AISC vs OPHC, 7th June, 1 pm, Pukekohe
AISC vs Roskill, 14th June, 1 pm Avondale
Squad (players who have played games this year):
Dominic Holt
Divyesh Patel
Jaishaan Dayal
Yash Patel
Dhariyan Dayal - Captain
Anesh Jeram
George Darin
Krrish Patel
Remy Lala
Nikhil Davison
Nikeel Dayal
Mahant Agrawal
Nikhil Govind
Jayden McKenzie
Chantz Wilson-Harding
Miten Patel
Ronit Patel D1
Akeel Patel P1
Dipesh Dahya P1
Hamesh Govind P1
Devan Narsai P1
Kieren Chhiba P1
Shane Mascarenhas D1
Coach: Akeel Patel
Manager: Sanjai Patel
Practice: 6 pm Tuesdays, Avondale College
Sanjai Patel
Premier Reserve's Manager
2025 Key Dates & Event Calendar
We encourage all players, families, supporters, sponsors and volunteers to save these dates and be part of another great year for our club.
New Zealand Indian Hockey Championship (NZIHC)
Date: 30 May 2026 to 1 Jun 2026
Venue:Palmerston North
This conjures up great memories of the extra-time golden goal in the Dhyan Chand Trophy win in 2009 at this venue.
Senior Mid-Season Social
Date: Saturday, 4th July 2026
Venue: Reign & Poor (CBD)
Club Photos Day
Date: Thursday, 6th August 2026
Venue: The Mahatma Gandhi Centre
Prize Giving & 90-Year Celebration
Date: Saturday, 12th September 2026
Venue: The Mahatma Gandhi Centre
This special evening will celebrate player achievements and mark 90 years of the Auckland Indian Sports Club.
Club Days – Volunteers & Sponsors Needed
Throughout 2026, AISC will be hosting Club Days (dates to be confirmed).
We are looking for:
- Volunteers
- Sponsors
- Community and family support
Your support is important to the ongoing success of our club.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Date: Saturday, 21st November 2026
Venue: Michaels Avenue Community Centre
All members are encouraged to attend.
Looking Ahead – King’s Birthday Weekend 2027
AISC will host the King’s Birthday Weekend Tournament in 2027.
This will be a major event, and we will need strong volunteer support across planning and event delivery.
If you are interested in volunteering or supporting the club, contact us at: info@aisc.org.nz
We look forward to another successful year and thank you for your continued support.
We encourage all players, families, supporters, sponsors and volunteers to save these dates and be part of another great year for our club.
Rupesh Patel
Business Development & Growth Director
This wraps up our May 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