Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 August 2025
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, celebrated National Sports Day 2025 in grand style, commemorating the birth anniversary of Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Marking the occasion, the Andaman & Nicobar Khel Mahotsav – Fit India Torch Relay was launched under the theme “Har Dweep, Har Kinara – Khele Sara Andaman Nicobar.”
During the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of A&N Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, unveiled three Olympic-style ‘Flame of Fitness’ torches, symbolising the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect. The event was attended by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, and Ms. Amar Jyoti, Regional Director, Sports Authority of India, Kolkata.
Each of the three torches was carried by distinguished athletes representing the three districts, spreading the message of fitness through cycling, running, and sea routes.
• Nicobar District (Torch–1): The relay covered Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Nancowry, Katchal, Teressa, and Campbell Bay. Around 3,875 students, 1,500 community members, and 370 teachers/officials participated, with the torch travelling 176 km across 22 schools.
• South Andaman District (Torch–2): Starting from Netaji Stadium to North Bay, the torch passed through all government, private, and aided schools. A total of 8,150 students, 1,050 community members, and 560 teachers/officials joined in, covering 80 schools over a distance of 142 km.
• North & Middle Andaman District (Torch–3): The torch traversed Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur, involving 7,449 students, 1,894 community members, and 750 teachers/officials, covering 60 schools across 310 km.
In all, the Torch Relay witnessed participation from 19,474 students, 4,544 community members, and 1,940 teachers, officials, and athletes, covering 225 schools and travelling a total of 505 kilometres. With 25,958 participants, including a remarkable 62% girls and women, the relay became a powerful symbol of unity, health, and sporting spirit in the Islands.
The initiative highlighted the Administration’s commitment to promoting fitness, inclusivity, and sports culture across the remotest corners of the archipelago. (Story Based on PR)
