A wave of sporting enthusiasm swept across the Andaman Islands this week, as two major events, the Beach Sports Festival 2025 at Wandoor and the Rangat Zone Block Level Sports and Games for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), celebrated the islands’ growing sports culture and community participation.
The Beach Sports Festival 2025, organised at Wandoor Beach by the Directorate of Tourism in collaboration with the Departments of Education, Sports & Youth Affairs and the Gram Panchayat, Wandoor, opened with colour and excitement. The event was inaugurated by Zilla Parishad South Andaman Adhyaksh, Prakash Adhikari, in the presence of Ferrargunj Pramukh Panchayat Samiti, Padma Wathi, PRI members, and local villagers.
Adhikari appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Tourism and Sports departments, saying that initiatives like the Beach Sports Festival could help connect youth activities with tourism opportunities. He urged organisers to include more sports disciplines in future editions to encourage wider participation from island communities.
Padma Wathi, in her address, termed the festival a strong step towards integrating sports and rural tourism, highlighting its potential to inspire local engagement. The opening day featured preliminary rounds of volleyball, tug of war, and arm wrestling.
The volleyball tournament drew 20 teams, including 14 men’s and 6 women’s teams, with 10 matches played on the first day. The semi-finals were scheduled between Island Krackers and Ravi Arts, and between Mahesh Brothers and SBPS Pahargaon. In the women’s tug of war category, three teams competed for the top spot, while six teams registered in the men’s category for matches scheduled on the final day.
Arm wrestling emerged as the most anticipated event, with 21 participants testing their strength and endurance before an enthusiastic crowd. Six finalists advanced to the final round, drawing cheers from residents and tourists gathered along the beachfront.
The two-day celebration combined sportsmanship, fitness, and community spirit against the backdrop of Wandoor’s golden sands and sunset views. The Directorate of Tourism announced that cash prizes would be awarded to winners and runners-up during the concluding ceremony on October 25, encouraging islanders to witness the finals and be part of the coastal festivity.
While Wandoor Beach echoed with cheers for volleyball and tug of war, another celebration of sports unfolded at Rangat, where inclusivity took centre stage. The Rangat Zone Block Level Sports & Games for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) was held at the Nimbutala School Ground on October 23 and 24.
The event saw participation from 22 students along with their parents, demonstrating the growing emphasis on inclusive education and physical activity across the islands. Organised by the Department of Education and the Sports Division, the two-day meet provided a platform for differently-abled children to showcase their potential in athletics and games designed for their abilities.
The competitions were held in a festive atmosphere, with children participating enthusiastically in a variety of track and field events. Winners were honoured with gold, silver, and bronze medals by officials including District Education Officer Rangat, Sushim Kumar Biswas, and Assistant Director of Sports, Rangat, V. Ranjith Kumar. The presence of families and teachers added warmth and encouragement to the occasion.
Both events, one along the sands of Wandoor and the other in the fields of Rangat, reflected a shared vision of using sports as a bridge between communities, abilities, and opportunities. They symbolised the inclusive and dynamic spirit of the Andaman Islands, where athleticism meets tourism, and participation triumphs over competition.
From beachside contests to inclusive games, the weeklong celebration of sports reinforced the message that fitness and teamwork remain at the heart of island life, inspiring both youth and community to stay active, connected, and proud of their home.
