Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 07 August 2023
After weeks of fierce competition and sportsmanship, the eagerly anticipated Inter-School Football Tournament came to a close at the Vivekananda Stadium in Diglipur. The first-ever mega zonal school sporting event held after the Corona Pandemic period saw participation from 22 schools in the ‘under 14 category’ and 16 teams each in the ‘under 17′ boys’ and girls’ categories.
In an intense Boys’ under 14 category final, spectators witnessed an impressive performance by Govt. Model Senior Secondary School Sitanagar, who emerged victorious by defeating Govt. Secondary School Pashchim Sagar with a commanding 4-0 scoreline. The heroes of the match were Bishal Das and Yashwant Ram, who showcased their football prowess by scoring two goals each, securing a resounding victory for their school.
The excitement continued in the senior category of Boys’ under 17, as GSSS Subhas Gram dominated the final against GSSS Kishorinagar with a stunning 6-0 win. The players displayed exceptional skills and teamwork, leaving the spectators in awe of their talent.
The Girls’ under 17 final was equally thrilling, featuring a neck-and-neck battle between the teams of GSSS Diglipur and GSS Nabagram. In a nail-biting match, GSSS Diglipur emerged as the champions, securing a 2-1 victory over their opponents.
The atmosphere at the Vivekananda Stadium was electric, with students, teachers, and parents cheering for their respective schools throughout the event. The tournament served as a platform for young athletes to showcase their sporting abilities and foster a sense of camaraderie among different schools in the zone.
The closing ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Mr. P.R Singaram, the Pradhan of Subhash Gram Panchayat, who attended as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present were Mr. Pradeep Das, Zilla Parishad Member, and Mr. Madhai Murshid, Panchayat Samiti Member. Mr. S. Suresh Kumar, the Deputy Education Officer, was also in attendance.
During the prize distribution ceremony, the chief guest and the dignitaries handed over the well-deserved trophies to the winning teams, appreciating their hard work and dedication throughout the tournament. Mr. Suresh Kumar, the Deputy Education Officer, took the opportunity to encourage and inspire the young athletes, emphasising the importance of sportsmanship and continuous efforts to excel both in academics and sports.