Meet the Sikh Hero Who Stopped Bondi Beach Gunman What began as a peaceful evening by the ocean turned into an act of rare bravery when a Punjabi-Sikh man ran towards danger during the Bondi Beach shooting. Amandeep Singh Bola, a 34-year-old New Zealand–born Sikh living in Australia, showed extraordinary courage by helping subdue one of the gunmen before police took control, as reported by the Times of India. Bola was enjoying kebabs at Bondi Beach when he heard loud bangs that he initially mistook for firecrackers. Within moments, panic erupted as people ran for their lives. Realising the gravity of the situation, Bola instinctively ran towards the sound of gunfire, learning along the way that two attackers were shooting at civilians. Approaching a footbridge where the gunmen were positioned, Bola slowed down, waiting for the right moment. When police shot one of the attackers, Bola sprinted forward, tackled him, kicked away his weapon, and restrained him until officers arrived. A brief mobile phone video later showed Bola sitting on the gunman’s back while police secured the scene. The aftermath took an emotional toll. Adrenaline surged, nausea followed, and strangers from different backgrounds gathered around him to offer comfort. Bola later reflected that this moment captured the true spirit of multicultural Australia people of different cultures standing together in a crisis. Bola says he never consciously chose to be a hero. He acted purely on instinct, focused only on helping others. Since the incident, sleep has been difficult, but his quiet resilience remains evident. Tracing his roots to Punjab’s Nawanshahr district, Bola comes from a family with a long Sikh history in New Zealand. He last visited Darbar Sahib in 2019, carrying with him the values of seva (selfless service) and courage values he embodied when it mattered most. https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/meet-the-punjabi-sikh-who-pounced-on-the-bondi-beach-shooter

Christchurch Killer to Testify in Court: Legal Battle Continues The Indian Weekender reports that Brenton Tarrant, the terrorist behind the Christchurch mosque attacks that killed 51 worshippers and injured 40, is set to give evidence in court. Tarrant, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole-the first such sentence in New Zealand-has applied to the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction, sentence, and guilty plea. Last year, the Court of Appeal granted permanent name suppression for Tarrant’s lawyers, citing safety risks and potential “undue hardship.” The Supreme Court later upheld this decision. In 2021, Tarrant claimed that his guilty pleas were made under duress due to alleged mistreatment while in custody. He is also expected to testify in the Coroner’s Court, despite objections from lawyers representing the victims’ families, who argue that his participation could cause further trauma. The upcoming Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled for February 9–13. Tarrant’s legal maneuvers come as families continue to seek closure years after the tragic March 15, 2019 attacks. His case remains a stark reminder of the enduring impact of terrorism on communities and the complex legal processes that follow. Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/killer-of-51-worshippers-likely-to-give-evidence-in-court

AFL’s First Indian-Origin Player: Jai Saxena Makes History In a milestone moment for Australian rules football, Jai Saxena’s selection by Collingwood in the Telstra AFL Rookie Draft has placed him on the brink of becoming the first player of fully Indian descent to play at the elite AFL level. His drafting marks a proud step forward for cultural diversity and inclusion in one of Australia’s most iconic sports. Raised in Doncaster East, Victoria, Saxena grew up in a family where footy loyalties were fierce-but rarely aligned. His mother has long backed Port Adelaide, his grandmother is a committed St Kilda supporter, and most of his extended family cheers passionately for Hawthorn. Yet despite the colourful mix of allegiances, Saxena has embraced Collingwood wholeheartedly. Since draft day, he has worn the black-and-white stripes with pride, fully invested in the club that has given him his breakthrough opportunity. Saxena’s football journey began early, shaped by the encouragement of his Delhi-born father, who first enrolled him in Auskick. His natural skill and discipline quickly stood out as he advanced through junior leagues and eventually entered the elite Oakleigh Chargers development program. His 2024 season, though challenging at times, became a turning point-driven by his dedication to refining his skills, building resilience, and preparing himself mentally and physically for draft selection. The Saxena family has always maintained a strong connection to their Indian roots. Their household is shaped by traditional foods, cultural rituals, and regular temple visits-elements that have strongly influenced Jai’s identity. He credits this cultural grounding for helping him stay humble, focused, and balanced amid the rising pressures of competitive sport. Jai Saxena’s rise is both a testament to his own hard work and a reflection of the evolving multicultural landscape of Australian sport. His journey shows how determination, talent, and cultural pride can open new doors-creating a powerful symbol of representation for the next generation of AFL hopefuls. https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/afls-first-indian-origin-player-jai-saxena