The sporting calendar in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands concluded on a high note, marked by success at the national level and an intense display of competition at the state school level. Island athletes made their presence felt beyond the Union Territory with a podium finish in a national rowing championship, while young sportspersons across zones demonstrated growing depth and competitiveness during the State School Games at Netaji Stadium.
At the national stage, two residential trainees of the Sports Authority of India brought recognition to the islands by securing a bronze medal in the Women’s Coxless Pair event at the 8th Inter-State Challenger Rowing and 45th Junior National Rowing Championship. The event was held at Upper Lake in Bhopal from November 26 to 30, where competitors from across the country tested endurance and technical skill in highly competitive races.
The island pair recorded a timing of 08:55.5 in the finals, reflecting coordination and sustained effort against a strong field. Officials associated with the training programme attributed the performance to systematic preparation and support structures available at the SAI STC in Sri Vijaya Puram, along with continued assistance from the Rowing Association in the islands. The result has been viewed as a positive indicator for the future of rowing in the Union Territory.
Closer home, Netaji Stadium witnessed the conclusion of the XXIV State School Games and the 9th State Level Competition for Children with Special Needs, bringing together students from nine zones for several days of competition. Sri Vijaya Puram Zone lifted the overall championship trophy with a dominant medal haul, while Car Nicobar and Rangat Zones finished second and third respectively. In the Children with Special Needs category, Wimberlygunj Zone emerged as the overall champion, followed by Sri Vijaya Puram and Rangat Zones.
The games featured closely contested events, with several finals decided by narrow margins, highlighting improved standards across zones. The athletics programme, in particular, drew attention with energetic relay races and sprint events, underscoring the growing competitiveness at the school level. Individual achievements also stood out, with the boys’ individual championship being jointly claimed, reflecting parity at the top end of performances. In the girls’ category, consistent performances across events led to a clear overall individual champion.
Officials from the Education and Sports departments noted a visible improvement in teamwork, discipline and preparation among participants compared to previous years. Several zones surpassed their past performances, suggesting that grassroots sports development initiatives are beginning to yield results. The presence of Children with Special Needs for the ninth consecutive year reinforced the Administration’s emphasis on inclusive participation as a core component of school sports.
Beyond medals and rankings, the event was also marked by cultural elements, including group performances by school students, adding to the celebratory atmosphere at the stadium. The formal closing ceremony, marked by prize distribution and the lowering of the flag, brought an end to a season that reflected both achievement and aspiration.
Taken together, the national rowing success and the scale of participation at the State School Games signal a strengthening sporting ecosystem in the islands. Officials associated with the programmes have indicated that sustaining this momentum will require continued focus on training facilities, coaching support and opportunities for competitive exposure, particularly for emerging talent.
