THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, Nov 22: The 74th Annual Sports Meet of Loyola School of classes 6 to 12 was held with great enthusiasm and energy, marking a memorable day for the institution. With a perfect blend of athletic prowess and discipline, the event aimed to instil physical fitness and sportsmanship in students, making it an eagerly awaited affair for all.
The day commenced with the flag unfurling by the Chief Guest, Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President of Corporate Services at Tata Steel, accompanied by Rev. Rector Fr. K.M. Joseph, Rev. Principal Fr. Vinod Fernandes, Rev. Treasurer Fr. Gerald Ravi D’Souza, and Vice Principals Jayanthi Sheshadri and Vineeta Ekka. Chaudhary, an alumnus of BITS Pilani, was felicitated with a sapling, a shawl, and a memento as a token of respect and gratitude.
The inaugural event featured a synchronized March Past by the four house contingents – Panthers, Leopards, Cheetahs, and Jaguars. The lighting of the torch by student-athletes and the pledge ceremony added to the day’s solemnity. The Chief Guest declared the meet open, urging students to embrace sports as a lifelong pursuit and emphasizing the value of perseverance.
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Demonstrations of martial arts by students from Classes 6 and 7, including Taekwondo, Karate, Kalarippayattu, and Mixed Martial Arts, showcased their agility, resilience, and strategic thinking. Traditional track and field events, including the 100m sprint, 4×200m relay, and alumni races, electrified the atmosphere, with loud cheers from the audience fueling the participants’ spirits.
The closing ceremony was graced by Colonel Rajneesh Sharma, Station Staff Officer, Jamshedpur, as the Guest of Honour. Col. Sharma, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army, was warmly welcomed with tokens of appreciation for his service and presence.
The event concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony. The Cheetah House emerged victorious, clinching the Overall Championship Trophy, while Panther House secured second place. Jaguar House won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, and Leopard House was awarded the Best Disciplined House Trophy.
The meet ended with the lowering of the school flag, a gesture symbolizing unity and gratitude. In his Vote of Thanks, Fr. Vinod Fernandes commended all participants and organizers for their efforts in making the event a resounding success. He emphasized Loyola’s commitment to holistic development, celebrating victories and defeats alike with unwavering sportsmanship.