Kushalnagar: The All India Sainik Schools Intra Group (Group H) Football Competition for the year 2024-25, which commenced at Sainik School Kodagu on Apr. 9, culminated on Apr. 13.

 This marked the third edition of the National-level Sports Meet hosted by the School.

The closing ceremony was attended by Wg. Cdr. P. Prakash Rao, Officiating Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, as chief guest.

In all, four Sainik Schools from the South Zone of India participated in the event: Sainik School Kazhakootam (Kerala), Sainik School Amaravathinagar (Tamil Nadu), Sainik School Kalikeri (Andhra Pradesh) and the host Sainik School Kodagu.

In his address, Wg. Cdr. Prakash Rao congratulated all the participating teams for their exemplary display of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

He encouraged the participants to carry forward the values of sportsmanship, integrity and camaraderie, which defines the very essence of any sports.

The closing ceremony featured an elegant march-past by cadets from the participating schools. Cadet Sharanabasu, the proposed School Appointment of Sainik School Kodagu, administered the oath to the team captains and their respective teammates and also led the parade.

The closing parade was followed by prize distribution. Sainik School Kalikiri, Kazhakootam and Amaravathinagar won the Champion’s Trophy in the respective Group.

Cdt. M.G. Deekshitha of Sainik School Kalikiri, Cdt. Krishnakant of Sainik School Kazhakootam and Cdt. M.P. Deepak of Sainik School Amaravathinagar were adjudged as the best players in their respective category.

On the occasion N. Vibin Kumar, Senior Master, Team Managers of participant schools, staff members, NCC, PI staff and the cadets of Sainik School Kodagu were present.

Inaugural ceremony: Col. Amar Jeet Singh, Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony on Apr. 9.

In his address, Col. Singh highlighted the significance of rigorous training and persistent efforts in fostering true sportsmanship, particularly for those aspiring to pursue careers in sports.

He commended Sainik Schools for being bastions of discipline, excellence and holistic development, emphasising their role in instilling values of leadership, teamwork and perseverance among cadets.

The chief guest applauded the cadets for demonstrating exceptional team spirit, a fundamental requirement for success in any sporting event, especially football. He encouraged the participating cadets to play with passion, integrity and respect for their opponents, embodying the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play.

 Cultural performances included a welcome song by Cadet Raman Kumar and his team, a Khartal performance by Cadet Lohith Kumar and his team and a rendition on the ‘Daf’ by Cadet Amit and his team.