Sri Vijaya Puram and Campbell Bay witnessed a vibrant display of sporting enthusiasm as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hosted a series of youth-driven events ranging from inter-school volleyball tournaments to open-air street chess. The back-to-back activities showcased not only the athletic talent of students but also the island administration’s growing emphasis on cultivating a strong sporting culture across remote communities.
At Netaji Stadium, the inter-school volleyball knockout tournament for under-17 boys and girls entered its final rounds with a spirited show of competition. In the girls’ semi-finals, GSSS Girls overpowered GSS Calicut with a straight-set win of 25-11 and 25-12. The second semi-final saw GSSS School Line put up an equally commanding performance against GSS South Point, closing the game with scores of 25-07 and 25-04. Both teams will now face each other in the finals, a clash anticipated to draw considerable excitement among students and parents alike.
The boys’ semi-finals brought tighter contests, reflecting the intensity of the rivalry. GSSS Port Mout staged a comeback after losing the opening set to GSSS Manglutan, ultimately clinching the match 21-25, 25-21, 15-06. In the other semi-final, GSSS Haddo overcame GSSS Boys in straight sets of 25-18 and 25-21. The final between Port Mout and Haddo promises to be a highlight, bringing two strong teams head-to-head at the multipurpose hall of Netaji Stadium.
While volleyball kept the stadium buzzing, Campbell Bay was transformed into an open-air arena for a different kind of contest. The bustling Zero Point Junction hosted the southernmost island’s first-ever street chess event. The initiative turned the lively junction into a chessboard under the open sky, with players of all ages locking minds in battles of strategy.
The event, supported by the Department of Education and Campbell Bay Educational Zone, received enthusiastic response from both participants and onlookers. Pradhan of Campbell Bay Gram Panchayat inaugurated the event with a ceremonial move alongside the Pradhan of Laxmi Nagar Gram Panchayat. The contest was not only about victories on the board but also about bringing together a community to celebrate chess as an inclusive and intellectual pursuit. Prizes were distributed to young participants who showcased tactical brilliance and sporting spirit, ensuring encouragement for the budding enthusiasts.
Furthering the momentum, Campbell Bay is also set to host an open chess tournament at the community hall on September 21. Organized by the Directorate of Education with support from the local educational zone, the competition is open to all age groups. Registrations remain open until the day of the event, and winners will receive prizes and certificates. This back-to-back focus on chess underscores how the game is gaining traction even in the farthest reaches of the islands, adding diversity to the sporting calendar traditionally dominated by athletics and team sports.
The string of activities reflects a coordinated effort to nurture talent at the grassroots while also offering recreational opportunities to communities living in geographically isolated areas. The combination of physically intensive team sports like volleyball with mentally stimulating events such as chess provides young islanders with a balanced platform to showcase their abilities.
For many, these events are more than just competitions. They represent an outlet for youthful energy, an occasion for families to gather, and an opportunity to strengthen community bonds. The simultaneous success of both volleyball and chess initiatives demonstrates the islands’ evolving identity as a sporting hub, where even small towns and junctions become arenas of collective celebration.
As finals approach and more events roll out, the Andaman sporting calendar continues to expand, encouraging participation across age groups and signaling a future where sports play a central role in community life and youth development.
