Sri Vijaya Puram, April 20: Efforts to promote physical fitness and community participation through sports saw momentum in Middle Andaman as a two-day Beach Sports Festival concluded at Raman Bagicha Beach in Rangat on April 19.
Held on April 18 and 19 at Nimbutala, the festival formed part of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s Calendar of Events 2025–2026. The Tourism Department organised the event in coordination with the Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Middle Andaman, Gram Panchayat Nimbutala and other line departments, drawing participation from local residents.
The programme featured a range of competitive and recreational activities designed to engage youth and the wider community. Events included Beach Volleyball, 50-metre Freestyle Swimming, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Football and Tug of War, conducted for both men and women participants.
Alongside the sports competitions, organisers also introduced entertainment activities, including Musical Chair events exclusively for women, contributing to broader participation at the venue. The combination of sporting contests and recreational segments created sustained public engagement across both days.
Participants from the local community took part in large numbers, with the beach venue witnessing continuous activity throughout the festival. The event aimed to provide a platform for encouraging sportsmanship while integrating physical activity into community gatherings.
The festival concluded with a closing ceremony at Raman Bagicha Beach, attended by Assistant Commissioner of Middle Andaman Deepanshu Vohra. During the ceremony, prizes were distributed to winners and participants across different categories.
Officials indicated that such events are part of ongoing efforts to integrate sports and recreation into public programmes, particularly in rural and coastal areas. The focus remains on encouraging participation at the grassroots level through accessible and community-based initiatives.
The coordination between administrative offices and local bodies was central to organising the event, with multiple departments contributing to logistics and execution. Gram Panchayat Nimbutala also played a role in facilitating local participation and arrangements.
The two-day festival concluded with continued public turnout until the final session, reflecting sustained interest in sports-based community events in the region.
