Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 04 December 2025
Tribal students from the Nancowrie Zone, representing the remote islands of Chowra, Teressa, Katchal, Kamorta and Nancowry, were honoured for their remarkable achievements at the XXIV State School Games 2025. Their strong performance and medal tally brought pride to the Central Nicobar region, marking a significant milestone for sports development in the tribal belt.
A special felicitation ceremony was hosted at Rani House, Sri Vijaya Puram, where Rani Fatima and Prince Rashid presented mementoes and certificates to the winning students and accompanying teachers. The ceremony celebrated the hard work, discipline and resilience demonstrated by the young athletes who trained under challenging conditions and travelled long distances to participate in the state-level sports event.
The Rani family extended appreciation to Physical Education Teachers, Headmasters, Assistant Sports Supervisors and the Department of Education for their sustained role in identifying and nurturing sports talent from remote island communities. Acknowledging the platform created for tribal youth, they also expressed gratitude to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for organising the State School Games 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, Prince Rashid praised the dedication of the students and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence despite geographical and logistical hurdles. Rani Fatima, expressing immense pride, said the achievements of the students would inspire younger generations across the Nicobar Islands to embrace sports as a path to discipline, confidence and opportunity.
The event was also attended by Rayhaan Pasha, who interacted with the students and motivated them to set higher goals in the field of sports. During the ceremony, the participants requested that the Administration prioritise sports infrastructure in the region, including a multi-purpose stadium, playgrounds and a sports hostel, to support budding athletes.
The felicitation programme not only celebrated sporting excellence but also strengthened cultural pride, unity and aspiration within the Nicobarese community, reinforcing the belief that talent from even the most remote islands can excel with opportunity, support and determination.
