A wave of sporting enthusiasm swept across South Andaman as schools came together for inter-school tournaments in chess and badminton, giving students platforms to showcase skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Organized under the South Andaman Educational Zone, the events highlighted the growing importance of extracurricular competitions in nurturing discipline and talent among young learners.
At Teachers’ Home, VIP Road, the inter-school chess tournament for Under-17 girls began with strong participation. The contest was inaugurated with the symbolic first move by Biswanath Sen, Assistant Director of Sports, marking the start of five rounds of intense battles on the boards. Students displayed tactical acumen and composure under pressure, reflecting both preparation and natural flair. After a closely fought series of matches, Tanisha Raj of VKV Lamba Line emerged the winner. Shruti of Carmel Senior Secondary School and Bhavishya of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Aberdeen, secured the second and third positions respectively. The tournament stood out not only for the quality of games but also for the enthusiasm among participants, many of whom considered it a stepping stone toward higher-level competitions. Organizers announced that the Under-17 boys’ event would follow, with participants required to report the next morning.
At the same time, the Multipurpose Hall hosted the knock-out stages of the inter-school badminton tournament for Under-17 and Under-14 boys and girls. The semifinals in the boys’ categories drew special attention for their competitive edge. In the U-14 singles, Ritvik Bairagi of GSSS Model defeated N. Kaushik of St. Mary’s School, Mohanpura, to secure a place in the final. Doubles matches delivered equal excitement, with Haridansh and Praloke Singh of MGIS overcoming Saksham Rungta and Joel Clement of SSS Carmel, while Akshat Tiwari and Zai Khan of NCS defeated Richardson and Shiva of GDMS. The results set up a gripping final round, ensuring that the badminton event will continue to draw interest in the coming days.
The dual events reflected how South Andaman schools are steadily expanding opportunities in both indoor and outdoor sports. Chess, often associated with strategy and critical thinking, gave participants a chance to hone patience, logic, and decision-making skills. Badminton, on the other hand, brought out physical agility, teamwork, and resilience. Together, they showcased the diverse talents of students and the importance of offering platforms for both mind and body development.
For students, the contests brought visibility and recognition, with the potential for top performers to progress to zonal or national events. The matches also fostered camaraderie across schools, as participants and supporters exchanged experiences that went beyond academics.
Parents, teachers, and administrators alike see these events as vital for shaping confident, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals. With more schools coming forward to support such platforms, the hope is that the islands will see a steady rise in representation at regional and national competitions.
The combination of chess and badminton in this week’s schedule illustrated the balance between intellectual rigor and physical prowess, both crucial to student growth. While one demanded mental precision and foresight, the other tested stamina and reflexes. Together, they offered a holistic sporting experience that reinforced the value of extracurricular engagement in the South Andaman Educational Zone.
