The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have come alive with a flurry of sporting activity as celebrations for National Sports Day 2025 unfold across the Union Territory. Organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, the events are being coordinated by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Education. The competitions, which span indoor and outdoor disciplines, are set to culminate in a valedictory function at Netaji Stadium on 29 August where winners and runners-up will be honoured.
The tournaments began with racquet sports, which witnessed intense contests in both men’s and women’s categories. In badminton, D Thirumurugan and G Sandeep secured the men’s doubles title after defeating Shyam M Lall and Surajit Dutta in straight sets, 21-14 and 21-19. The women’s doubles final saw A Anitha and A Rachel display dominance against Priyanka and S Mamta, winning convincingly 21-08 and 21-13. Table tennis matches were equally gripping, with the men’s doubles crown going to P Surya Kumar and Tabriaz Hussain, who edged out B Deepak and Rahul Rehman in a tight contest 14-12, 11-13, and 11-10. The women’s doubles category produced a marathon encounter, where Jessi and Venkat Laxmi outlasted Sharin Lakra and Reshmi Rehna with scores of 13-11, 02-11, 08-11, 11-09, and 11-05.
While racquet games provided early excitement, the volleyball tournaments are drawing wide participation. Ten teams are competing in the men’s open category, while five teams are contesting the women’s open category. Matches are being played at the Netaji Sports Complex volleyball courts and are expected to continue until the final week of August.
The sporting calendar has also lined up hockey and cycling, events that traditionally attract wide interest in the Islands. Scheduled for 22 and 23 August, the hockey tournaments in both men’s and women’s categories will be played at the Bathu Basti School Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram. The cycling races, covering 40 km for men and 10 km for women, are scheduled to take place around Netaji Stadium at 6 am on 23 August. However, officials have indicated that outdoor events are subject to weather conditions, given the unpredictable monsoon at this time of the year.
The celebrations are being closely followed by sports enthusiasts across the Islands, as they provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent while marking the legacy of one of India’s most iconic sporting figures. Major Dhyan Chand, remembered as the “Wizard of Hockey”, continues to inspire generations, and National Sports Day events in the Islands form part of the nationwide commemorations. The tournaments here not only celebrate athletic skill but also reinforce the importance of physical activity, teamwork, and discipline among youth.
Organisers have called on participants to be punctual and adhere to schedules, underlining that the celebrations are as much about fostering sportsmanship as they are about competition. The multi-disciplinary approach ensures that athletes from various sporting backgrounds get opportunities to participate, whether in indoor sports like table tennis and badminton or team-oriented outdoor sports such as volleyball and hockey. Cycling adds an endurance element, making the programme comprehensive in its coverage of physical disciplines.
For the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where sports infrastructure is gradually being expanded, such tournaments carry significance beyond the immediate competition. They provide exposure to local athletes, encourage grassroots participation, and help in identifying emerging talent. With school and college students also taking part, the events bridge community participation with institutional support, giving sports a stronger footing in the region.
The upcoming valedictory ceremony at Netaji Stadium on 29 August is expected to be the highlight of the celebrations. Winners across all categories will be felicitated, reinforcing the spirit of achievement while also encouraging broader participation in the years to come. The trophies will not just symbolise individual and team victories but also serve as a reminder of the Islands’ growing involvement in the national sporting calendar.
As the tournaments continue, excitement is building among players and spectators alike. With contests already producing close finishes and strong displays of skill, the focus now shifts to the remaining fixtures, particularly the hockey and cycling events. By combining competitive intensity with community engagement, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ National Sports Day celebrations are positioning sport as an integral part of local life and identity.
