Sikh nurse left bloodied in savage hate attack at Australia gym

Melbourne/Geelong: A 22-year-old Sikh nurse of Indian origin was hospitalised with serious facial injuries after an alleged racially motivated assault outside a gym in Corio, a suburb near Geelong in Victoria, late Tuesday night.

The incident has renewed concerns within Australia’s Indian diaspora over personal safety and rising instances of racial hostility.

The victim, identified as Harmanpreet Singh, had been training at the facility when he was approached by three men around 11 pm, according to local media reports. What began as a verbal confrontation soon escalated, Singh said, with the group allegedly directing racist slurs at him.

Singh recounted that as he exited the gym, the trio was waiting outside. He was allegedly abused with phrases including “Indian dog” and “go back to where you came from.”

Moments later, one of the men reportedly struck him head-first, causing a severe injury to his nose. Witnesses described Singh bleeding heavily following the blow.

Bystanders and locals rushed to assist Singh and arranged medical help. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors diagnosed a broken nose. Medical staff indicated he may require corrective surgery. Speaking to Australian broadcaster 9News, Singh said the attack left him shaken.

“Nobody expects this when you’re just minding your own business,” he was quoted as saying, adding that the episode had caused significant emotional distress. Singh also admitted he now feels apprehensive about returning to the gym.

Family members expressed anguish over the incident. Singh’s sister said the family was deeply unsettled by the violence and the language allegedly used during the confrontation. She urged authorities to ensure swift action.

Victoria Police have reportedly launched an investigation. While officials have not publicly classified the assault as a hate crime, police are examining the circumstances, including CCTV footage and witness accounts. No arrests had been confirmed at the time of reporting.

The alleged attack comes amid broader anxiety about racism faced by minority communities in Australia. Community advocates note that although Australia remains a multicultural society, isolated incidents of racial abuse and violence continue to surface.

Representatives of Indian-Australian groups said the Geelong episode underscores the need for stronger awareness, bystander intervention, and legal deterrence.

Leaders within Sikh and Indian associations called for calm but emphasised that such incidents must not be normalised. “Every individual deserves to feel safe regardless of ethnicity or faith,” a community spokesperson said, adding that they are in touch with local authorities.

The incident has triggered fresh debate on social media, with many users condemning the alleged assault and expressing solidarity with Singh. As investigations continue, community members hope the case will reinforce the message that racially charged violence has no place in Australian society.