Two major youth-focused events from the worlds of sports and music have marked a lively week for students and young athletes from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with local band teams preparing to represent the islands at the Southern Zonal School Band Competition while the 3×3 Open Basketball Championship concluded in Sri Vijaya Puram. The developments reflect the twin priorities of the Administration—promoting competitive sports and encouraging cultural participation among students.
The island contingent is gearing up for the Southern Zonal Level School Band Competition 2025, scheduled from December 11 to 13 at the sports complex of Prof. Jayashankar Telangana Agriculture University in Telangana. The zonal meet brings together school band teams from across southern states and Union Territories, making it one of the most anticipated student cultural events in the region. Representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands this year are the winners of the State Level Band Competition: the boys’ band from VKV School, Lamba Line, Sri Vijaya Puram, and the girls’ band from Government Girls Senior Secondary School. Both teams will depart for Hyderabad on December 10 after weeks of preparation at their respective schools.
Ahead of their departure, a brief ceremony was held in Sri Vijaya Puram, where departmental officials conveyed their wishes and acknowledged the effort put in by the student bands. For the participants, the event represents both a competitive challenge and an opportunity to perform before a larger audience of peers from across the southern part of the country. School band events have been gaining traction in the islands, with many institutions promoting them as platforms that build discipline, teamwork and musical ability.
Even as the band teams prepared for their zonal journey, the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs wrapped up the 3×3 Open Basketball Championship for men and women at the Netaji Sports Complex. The tournament, held under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2025 campaign, ran from December 6 to 9 and drew strong participation from teams across the region. This edition saw ten men’s teams and five women’s teams competing through multiple rounds, culminating in a tightly contested series of final matches.
In the men’s final, team KEMS secured the championship by defeating Andaman Warriors 21-15. The match featured fast-paced play typical of the 3×3 format, which has gained popularity globally for its shorter duration and emphasis on quick transitions. In the women’s final, Defence Civil emerged champions after a close 12-10 victory over Rising Star. The medal and trophy presentation was conducted at the venue soon after the matches concluded. Officials noted the strong turnout and highlighted the relevance of sports in encouraging discipline and a drug-free lifestyle among young people.
The Directorate’s decision to integrate the tournament with an anti–substance abuse awareness campaign added a distinctive dimension to the event. Participants and spectators were encouraged to recognise the role of sports in building healthy routines and community cohesion. For many of the young players, the championship served as a platform to gain visibility and experience in competitive basketball formats that are increasingly being adopted nationwide.
The back-to-back events have contributed to a busy December calendar for student-centric activities in the islands. While the band teams prepare to perform on an inter-state stage, the basketball tournament has provided local athletes with critical competitive exposure. The Administration has indicated that similar events will continue through the academic year, with the goal of strengthening both athletic and cultural opportunities for students.
With the zonal band competition set to begin shortly and the basketball championship concluding on a high note, the week has underlined the islands’ growing focus on nurturing young talent across fields. Students, teachers and sports organisers are expected to carry the momentum forward into the coming months as the islands seek broader participation in national-level events.
