Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 August 2025
The Independence Day celebrations at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram, took a spirited turn as the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands inaugurated the Fit India Andaman Nicobar Khel Mahotsav, officially kicking off the Union Territory’s National Sports Day 2025 festivities.
In a symbolic ceremony, the LG launched three Olympic-style “Flame of Fitness” torches, each representing one of the Olympic values – Excellence, Friendship, and Respect. These torches will travel across the islands, carried by distinguished athletes from each district.
Athletes Chosen to Carry the Flame:
• Mr. Anand Lawson (Nicobar District): The celebrated footballer, who led Nicobar to gold at the 1984 Subroto Mukherjee Cup, expressed hope that the flame would inspire the youth to take up sports.
• Ms Prachi Toppo (South Andaman District): A para-athlete and gold medalist at the 21st National Para Athletics Championship in Pune, she said the torch is a reminder that “no barrier is too big if you believe in yourself.”
• Regina Kiro (North & Middle Andaman District): A decorated canoeist and kayaker with international accolades, Kiro expressed her wish for the flame to reach every shore and encourage active living.
Each torch was exclusively designed for the Mahotsav, incorporating the silhouette of the Cellular Jail, engravings of the dugong and hornbill, and a mangrove root motif, symbolizing resilience. The Olympic rings reinforce the event’s central values.
The torches will embark on separate journeys covering the Nicobar, South Andaman, and North & Middle Andaman districts, traveling by cycling, running, and ship. Stops at schools, village centres, and community grounds will feature sporting events, indigenous games, and health awareness programmes, including campaigns against substance abuse.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Chief Secretary, highlighted the Mahotsav as “an opportunity to celebrate and reinvigorate the culture of sport in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.” Amar Jyoti, Regional Director, Sports Authority of India, Kolkata, added: “Har Dweep, Har Kinara, Khele Sara Dweep Hamara reflects the essence of a healthy and active life for every islander.”
Organised by the Directorate of Education & Sports in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, the Mahotsav runs from 15–31 August and includes:
• Inter-school athletics, football, volleyball, and indigenous games
• Beach sports and kayaking demonstrations
• Rope skipping challenges and mass fitness drills
• Cultural performances celebrating the islands’ diversity
• Anti-drug and health awareness campaigns
On 29 August, National Sports Day, the three torches will be permanently installed at historic sites in their respective districts, leaving a lasting legacy of fitness and sporting spirit across the archipelago.
