The sporting calendar of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is gathering pace with two significant events bringing the spotlight on young athletes from the territory. An 18-member U-17 boys’ school football team is preparing to represent the islands at the 64th Subroto Cup in New Delhi, while the state kabaddi championship for senior men and women is set to take place in Sri Vijaya Puram later this month. Together, the developments mark a growing emphasis on competitive sports and grassroots talent in the islands.
The football squad, consisting of 16 players, has completed a three-month residential training camp designed to sharpen skills and enhance physical conditioning. Practice sessions were not limited to regular drills; the team tested its abilities in competitive friendlies against strong local opponents including sides from Wimberlygunj, Sri Vijaya Puram, and the Andaman Nicobar Command. These matches, held at Netaji Stadium, JNRM grounds and Brichgunj, resulted in a string of victories that boosted confidence ahead of the national challenge. Coaches and support staff accompanying the squad expressed satisfaction with the team’s form and readiness for the competition.
The importance of the moment was underlined by the presence of the Chief Secretary of the islands, who met the team before their departure. In his interaction, he praised their discipline and hard work and encouraged them to play with unity and determination on the national stage. His visit was followed by a special motivational session that brought together senior police officials, education administrators, tribal leaders and even former Subroto Cup players. The collective words of guidance were intended to instill resilience and ambition in the squad as they prepared to fly to Delhi. Team manager N. Mohammed Saleem and coach Mohammed Sadique will guide the players during their stay at the tournament.
For the islands, representation at the Subroto Cup is more than a sporting engagement. It provides exposure to national-level competition for school students and offers the possibility of opening future pathways in football for young players. Participation also helps benchmark the level of sporting infrastructure and talent development in the territory against established teams from mainland India.
Alongside the football campaign, preparations are also underway for the Senior State Open Kabaddi Championship 2025. Scheduled for September 20 and 21 in Sri Vijaya Puram, the tournament is being organized by the Andaman and Nicobar Kabaddi Association with assistance from the State Olympic Association. Entries for the event will be accepted until September 19 at the Netaji Stadium.
The kabaddi championship provides an opportunity for athletes across the islands to showcase their talent in one of India’s most popular indigenous sports. Men’s and women’s teams are expected to participate, and the competition is likely to play a role in identifying players who can represent the islands in zonal and national tournaments in the future. For many participants, such state-level championships are the only platform to test themselves against high-level competition while also gaining recognition for their skill.
The parallel developments in football and kabaddi illustrate the efforts being made to create a more vibrant sports culture in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. While geographical isolation has often limited opportunities for athletes, initiatives like residential training camps, national-level representation, and structured local competitions signal a shift towards systematic sports promotion. These platforms not only enhance the sporting reputation of the islands but also provide valuable life lessons to young participants in discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
As the U-17 footballers take flight for Delhi with hopes of making a mark in one of India’s most prestigious school-level competitions, and kabaddi players prepare for a chance to compete at state level, the islands’ sporting spirit is unmistakably on the rise. The events serve as reminders that even from remote regions, talent can emerge and aspire to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best across the nation.
