The Inter School Badminton Tournament in South Andaman has moved into its decisive stage, with the semifinals producing finalists who will compete for the coveted titles. The event, organized by the Deputy Education Officer of South Andaman, is being played at the multipurpose hall of Netaji Stadium and has drawn participants from multiple schools across the educational zone. The tournament covers both boys and girls in the under-14 and under-17 age categories, providing a competitive platform for budding talent.
The spotlight of today’s matches fell on the under-17 boys’ singles semifinals, where Eric James of SSS Carmel overcame stiff resistance from Shaurya Goenka of SSS NCS to secure his place in the final. In the other semifinal, P. Tejeshwar of St. Mary’s School, Bhatubasti, defeated S. Vinay of St. Mary’s School, Mohanpura, in a hard-fought encounter. The stage is now set for a final clash between Eric James and P. Tejeshwar, two players who have consistently impressed in earlier rounds.
In doubles action, the under-17 boys’ semifinal matches produced equally exciting results. The pair of Ansh Kumar Singh and Shaurya Goenka from NCS advanced by defeating P. Tejeshwar and Prateek of St. Mary’s School, Bhatubasti. Meanwhile, Akshit Boby and Mohd. Faizan Qazi from SSS Carmel overcame Subham and Dhanush of MGIS in the second semifinal. The final will therefore see Carmel’s pair face off against the NCS duo for the doubles crown.
The championship matches are scheduled to take place on September 12 from 8:30 am onwards, with both singles and doubles finals expected to draw strong attention from the student community. The event has been praised for the intensity of competition and the opportunity it provides for young players to gain exposure. Organizers have stressed that the inter-school platform is not only about winning trophies but also about fostering teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among participants.
South Andaman has been steadily increasing its focus on school-level sporting competitions, recognizing them as critical to nurturing future athletes. Events like this badminton tournament form part of a broader strategy to integrate physical education into school life and encourage students to pursue sports seriously. While academic achievement remains central, sports activities are seen as equally important in building confidence, resilience, and leadership qualities in children.
Badminton, in particular, has grown in popularity among school students due to its accessibility and the increasing visibility of Indian players on the global stage. For South Andaman, the tournament is also an opportunity to discover new talent that could be nurtured through advanced training programs in the future. Teachers and coaches across schools have been emphasizing the role of such events in identifying young players who can go on to represent the islands in state-level and national competitions.
The tournament’s structure, based on a knockout format, has ensured high stakes in every match, with no second chances. This has added to the excitement, with each game carrying the pressure of elimination. For the finalists, reaching the championship round is already a mark of distinction, but the title match will demand even greater focus and composure.
As the September 12 finals approach, anticipation is building among students, teachers, and parents. The under-17 matches, in particular, are expected to showcase the finest blend of skill and determination. For many of the young players, this will be their first taste of a major final in front of a larger audience.
The Inter School Badminton Tournament has once again demonstrated how sporting events can bring together students across institutions, build friendships, and promote healthy competition. As the finals draw near, the excitement within the South Andaman educational zone is a reminder that sports remain an integral part of school life, shaping not only athletes but well-rounded individuals.
