The Monsoon Beach Festival 2025 came to a thrilling conclusion on July 27 at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, capping off a two-day celebration of community spirit, athletic excellence, and island identity. Organized by the Department of Tourism, A&N Administration, the event attracted more than 60 teams and hundreds of spectators, all of whom braved monsoon showers to witness the finals of the beach volleyball and tug of war tournaments.
The festival’s theme, #VolleyTheVibe, was on full display as teams competed fiercely in front of a roaring crowd. The finals turned the sandy courts into high-stakes arenas, where months of training and community pride culminated in back-to-back victories for long-time favourites and surprising new contenders alike.
In the men’s beach volleyball final, the Seva Bharath team reaffirmed its dominance by defeating Prem Nagar 2-0, making this their eighth consecutive championship win at the Monsoon Festival. With a powerful trio of Usman, Jesu, and Sandeep, the team maintained their winning streak with precise serves, aggressive net play, and seamless teamwork.
On the women’s side, the New Pahargaon team claimed victory after a nail-biting three-set thriller against the 2-Sisters team. Led by the duo of Solomi and Chandrika, New Pahargaon’s comeback win (2-1) showcased the growing talent pool among women athletes in the islands. Their opponents, Brenda and Venona of 2-Sisters, put up a formidable challenge, drawing cheers with each point.
In the tug of war competition, the CTBS women’s team overcame IP&T with a decisive 2-0 win. The men’s final saw RR defeating Raymond 2-1 after a tense tug-of-strength contest. Both matches demonstrated the raw physical endurance and mental tenacity required to excel in team-based strength sports.
The prize distribution ceremony was presided over by Secretary (IP&T) Jyoti Kumari, who handed out trophies and cash prizes to winners and runners-up. Volleyball winners received ₹7,000 and runners-up ₹5,000, while tug of war champions were awarded ₹6,000 and ₹4,000 respectively, with support from NHIDCL. The Secretary lauded the sporting spirit and congratulated all participants for contributing to a safe, inclusive, and vibrant festival.
Beyond the finals, the event featured music, beachside food stalls, and a captivating Jet Ski formation display presented by the Andaman Sea Adventure Association. The spectacle of high-speed maneuvers across choppy waters added flair to the closing moments of the tournament, keeping the crowd engaged till the very end.
Tourism officials emphasized that the festival’s timing during the monsoon was part of a strategic push to establish Andaman as a year-round tourism destination. Events like the Monsoon Festival not only encourage local participation but also offer visitors an authentic, active island experience.
Locals and tourists alike appreciated the mix of athletic competition and beachside entertainment. The atmosphere was festive and welcoming, with many attendees calling for the inclusion of more traditional and adventure-based competitions in the coming years.
The event also succeeded in spotlighting emerging talent from rural areas, especially among women and younger athletes. Several school-age players caught the attention of sports coordinators, opening up potential pathways for future training and development.
As the festival wrapped up, Tourism Department officials expressed their gratitude to supporting departments, volunteers, and the public for making the 2025 edition a resounding success. Plans are already underway to expand the format for next year, potentially including regional qualifiers and cultural showcases.
The Monsoon Beach Festival ended not just with trophies and team victories, but with strengthened community ties and a shared sense of island pride. By uniting sport, tourism, and celebration, the event solidified its place as one of the most anticipated annual highlights on the Andaman calendar.
