Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 February 2025
The prestigious XXVI Vice President of India Cup Soccer Championship 2024-25 commenced with great enthusiasm at BJR Stadium, Tamaloo, Car Nicobar, on February 8. Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar, Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, who also serves as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, inaugurated the championship as the chief guest and declared the tournament open.
Mr. Lionald Nicomede, Chairman of the Tribal Council, attended as the guest of honor, while Rt. Rev. Thomas Nathan, Bishop of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Diocese, blessed the players and the tournament.
The championship, which runs from February 8 to February 17, features 12 teams from across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat, Wimberlygunj, Sri Vijaya Puram, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Katchal, Chowra, Nancowry, Campbell Bay, and A&N Command.
To mark the start of the tournament, Mr. Amit Kale kicked off a penalty shootout that included a goal, a miss, and a save by the goalkeeper—symbolizing the excitement that lies ahead in the matches.
The opening ceremony featured a vibrant cultural program presented by students from GPS Kinyuka and PM SHRI GSS Mus, Car Nicobar, adding a festive touch to the event. Earlier, Mr. H. Nathaniel, Education Officer and Secretary of the Organizing Committee, welcomed the gathering.
In the inaugural match, A&N Command edged out the Sri Vijaya Puram team with a 1-0 victory, setting the tone for an exciting series of matches in the days to come.