The National Sports Day celebrations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands witnessed an energetic display of community participation as open category sporting events were held at Netaji Stadium in Sri Vijaya Puram on Saturday. Organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports guidelines, the events marked the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, bringing together athletes and enthusiasts from across the islands.
The competitions included traditional and fun contests alongside athletic events, designed to encourage wider public involvement. In the men’s category, Kaleshwaran won the 50-metre spoon race, followed by Amir in second place and Saw Krish in third. Among the women, P. Anu secured the top spot, with Sunayna Kirtoniya and Naw Sandrila finishing second and third respectively. The sack race, a crowd favourite, saw Ronit Francis clinching first place in the men’s section, ahead of Vishesh Mishra and Vibisana, while the women’s section was led by M. Meenachi, with P. Anu and Sabnam Xalxo following.
Short-distance running and rope skipping also drew spirited participation. In the 50-metre sprint, T. Vishal took first place in the men’s division, while Mahima Topno won the women’s event. Rope skipping saw T. Rama Rao and Pooja claim top honours in their respective categories. The student section of rope skipping featured young athletes, with P. Kaushik and Tishika Ekka emerging winners.
Team spirit was most visible in the tug of war competition, where Andaman Nicobar Police dominated both men’s and women’s categories. The men’s team secured the win against Sports Authority of India, while the women’s event was contested between Police-A and Police-B teams, with Police-A emerging winners. The event drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie and community participation that underpins National Sports Day celebrations.
Officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, including Assistant Director (Sports) Biswanath Sen and Assistant Supervisor (Sports) Bijan Chandra Gain, inaugurated and oversaw the proceedings. The winners and runners-up were awarded medals and trophies at the venue. The organisers highlighted that the purpose of such events was not only to commemorate the sporting legacy of Major Dhyan Chand but also to encourage the public to adopt sports and fitness as part of their daily routine.
The competitions were part of a wider schedule of events planned for both open participants and senior citizens. The department has announced additional contests for older participants, including a 300-metre speed walk, a one-kilometre walk, cycling, and yoga sessions, which are scheduled to take place on Sunday. The inclusion of senior citizens in the programme reflects the administration’s emphasis on promoting fitness and wellbeing across all age groups.
The events at Netaji Stadium also served as a platform for showcasing grassroots talent. While many of the contests had an element of fun, the participation levels demonstrated the enthusiasm of local residents in embracing the spirit of National Sports Day. For the islands, where opportunities for competitive sporting events can be limited, such occasions provide a much-needed outlet for community bonding and physical activity.
The National Sports Day programme in Andamans this year has combined competitive sport with cultural and recreational activities across multiple venues. The open category contests, in particular, emphasised inclusivity, drawing men, women, and students from diverse backgrounds. The administration’s focus on encouraging broader public engagement in fitness is expected to strengthen the culture of sports at the community level.
As celebrations continue, the open events at Netaji Stadium stand out as a vibrant reminder of the unifying power of sport. By drawing participation from across age groups and communities, the programme reaffirmed that sport remains a vital thread in the social fabric of the islands, capable of inspiring fitness, teamwork, and national pride.
