12/09/2026
*A Statement from Virasat-E-Culture Club NZ*
Virasat-E-Culture Club NZ is disappointed by an incident involving a member of an organisation that organised 4th Bhangra Cup for 12/09 during an interaction with our coaches.
As our coaches were leaving, the individual- apparently a team member of organisation that hosted this Bhangra competition, approached our coach and spoke to him in a rude and confrontational manner without any prior interaction. Worse: he called for men from their team to gang up on the couple. The interaction also involved disrespectful behaviour towards his wife.
We consider this behaviour completely INAPPROPRIATE and UNACCEPTABLE. Differences or disagreements can always be addressed respectfully and professionally. There is no place for intimidation, confrontation or personal disrespect within our cultural and sporting community.
We are especially disappointed when individuals representing a team behave in a manner that does not reflect the values of respect, sportsmanship and professionalism that our community should stand for.
This happened post VCCNZ and other coaches from other academies, participants and parents of participants challenged the unfair judgement given by the invited judges as several teams and coaches left disappointed by the lack of fairness and destructive feedback offered by the judges- acting as a killjoy and a source of disappointment. The judges, when querried could not justify their own judgement and turned rude and hostile towards coaches of all inquiring academies.
VCCNZ expects lawful and respectful conduct from everyone we interact with, regardless of which team or organisation they represent. At VCCNZ, we are concerned that if an organisation's representative can do this to adults, how badly could they possible act towards our participating kids who cannot have their own say! There was absolutely no professionalism or empathy amongst that supporting volunteer/ host staff.
We will continue to stand up for our coaches, members and volunteers and will not accept behaviour that makes them feel intimidated or disrespected.
We hope that this incident is taken seriously and that appropriate steps are taken to ensure respectful conduct in future. We are obliged to complete our due diligence on our end and we will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our coaches and our team.
