ZenSpark 2026-27: Where calm meets courage and sporting spirit shines

Sports play a vital role in shaping young minds, instilling discipline, resilience, teamwork and confidence. At Apeejay Education, sports are integral to holistic learning, nurturing perseverance, unity and sportsmanship while preparing children to face life’s challenges with determination and grace.

Reflecting this spirit, the grounds of Apeejay School, Pitampura, came alive with colour, enthusiasm and sporting fervour as the school celebrated its Annual Sports Day, ZenSpark 2026-27. Centred on the theme of balancing calmness and focus with energy and determination, the event brought together more than 2,000 students for an impressive showcase of athletic ability, discipline, coordination and teamwork.

The celebrations commenced with the ceremonial arrival of the distinguished guests, Professor Aparna Sharma, Principal Keshav Mahavidyalaya, Pitampura, Delhi and Dr Leena Vyas, Assistant Director, PE and National Integration, Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi.

The distinguished guests were escorted by the school’s student parliamentarians, accompanied by Director-Principal, Apeejay School, Pitampura, Mrs Veena Goel, the Senior Vice-Principal and the Vice-Principal, as the school band played ceremonial music. Their arrival lent a sense of occasion to the proceedings, setting the tone for a day dedicated to sporting excellence.

Also, present were parents and grandparents who lent a special warmth to the occasion, cheering enthusiastically for the young participants and adding to the joyous spirit of the celebrations.

The school flag was hoisted, followed by a green welcome accorded to the dignitaries by the school Principal, reflecting the institution’s emphasis on environmental consciousness and respect for nature. The flag-hoisting ceremony symbolised the school’s identity, shared values and collective pride. The green welcome held special significance, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and the responsibility of nurturing a greener future.

One of the opening highlights was the impressive march past by the four houses: Dedication, Devotion, Discipline, and Determination. The young participants marched in formation, displaying synchronisation, confidence and pride. Their measured steps and coordinated movements reflected the rigorous preparation that had gone into the event.

The ceremonial torch added further significance to the occasion, symbolising the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence. Sports Captain Shreyaan Nagpal and Vice Sports Captain Panache Gupta subsequently administered the sportsmanship oath, with participants pledging to uphold fairness, integrity and respect for the rules of competition.

Mrs Goel formally declared ZenSpark 2026–27 open and expressed her gratitude to Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Owner and Director (Family Business Board), Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Lead-Education Vertical, Office Bearer, Apeejay Education, Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University. A warm welcome was given to distinguished guests, Professor Aparna Sharma and Dr Leena Vyas, parents, teachers, and students.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, she said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite the people in a way that little else does. We are gathered here for one of the most awaited events of our school calendar, our Annual Sports Day, ZenSpark 2026–27. The name is a beautiful thought in itself. Zen signifies calmness, focus, balance and mindfulness, the inner peace an athlete needs at the starting line. And Spark signifies that igniting energy, that passion, that fire, that pushes him to run faster, jump higher and never give up. So Zenspark means, with a calm mind, ignite and spark within,” she explained.

Sports have always been an integral part of our lives, she added. “Annual Sports Day is not just about winning medals or trophies. It’s about values and attitudes that stay with us for life. It teaches us to stay calm under pressure and concentrate on a goal; it teaches us that no one wins alone; it teaches us that every fall on the track teaches us to rise again; it teaches us discipline and respect. Following the rules, respecting the opponent, respecting the decisions of the referees and following the guidance of our coaches. Sports provide us a chance to lead and also teach us to handle success with humility and failure with grace.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our teachers and coaches, who guide us, encourage us and help us become better athletes and better individuals. Your support means the world to us. As we cheer for our friends, our students today, our children today, let’s remember the spirit of Zenspark is about fairness, friendship and fun. Let us all enjoy ZenSpark to the fullest and participate with enthusiasm, cheer with joy and make this day a happy and memorable one,” she said.

The release of colourful balloons marked another memorable moment, symbolising hope, unity and the aspirations of young athletes.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Sharma said, “I firmly believe that education extends beyond classrooms, textbooks and examinations. Sports play a vital role in nurturing physical fitness, emotional resilience and responsible citizenship. I would like to emphasise three essential values: Discipline, dedication and devotion. These must go hand in hand, along with respect for our teachers and parents. Today, when children spend considerable time on mobile phones and AI technology, sports offer opportunities to nurture creativity and engage with the real world. I also believe that success in sports is not merely about winning prizes, but about participating, completing the race and learning to work together.”

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Vyas shared, “Sports teach us lessons that medals cannot. They teach us to accept defeat with grace and overcome our biggest competitors, our own fears and laziness. Winning is important, but every child who participates with honesty and determination is already a winner. I believe fitness is not a one-day activity but a lifelong commitment. A healthy body nurtures a healthy mind. Let me share three lessons that sports have taught me: the scoreboard is not the life board, fitness is a lifestyle, and a healthy body holds a healthy mind. The theme, ZenSpark, beautifully captures the essence of sportsmanship, where Zen represents focus and balance, while Spark signifies energy and passion.”

The sporting celebrations then unfolded through a series of meticulously coordinated performances. The school band, comprising 43 students, captivated the gathering with a spirited performance featuring the bugle, bagpipes, drums, cymbals and bass drum.

The stirring notes of the instruments, accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats, filled the atmosphere with energy and enthusiasm. The young musicians displayed remarkable coordination, precision and discipline, reflecting their dedication and rigorous preparation.

The proceedings were ably conducted by student anchors Sana Kapoor, Swasti Gogia, Inaya Kumar, Aarna Pandey, Aarush Ahuja, Dhruva Ghuriani, Atharrv Parate, and Devaanshi Malik, who kept the audience engaged with their confident presentation, lively commentary, and seamless transitions throughout the event.

Students from different classes took to the field with distinctive presentations that combined physical fitness, creativity and teamwork.

The youngest participants brought their charm to the celebrations. Class I students delighted the audience with a colourful hula hoop performance, while Class II presented an energetic rhythmic drill. Class III transformed the field into a vibrant spectacle with colourful parachutes, displaying coordination as they lifted, turned and moved together.

Class IV students impressed spectators with their paddle drill, demonstrating synchronisation and controlled movements. Class V followed with a wooden dumbbell presentation, in which rhythmic movements and coordinated formations highlighted the importance of balance, concentration and collective effort.

A major attraction was the yoga presentation, which brought together flexibility, strength and mindfulness. Young performers demonstrated several asanas, including Chakrasana, Trikonasana, Camel Pose and the Butterfly Pose. Their coordinated formations and yoga pyramids reflected patience, balance and mutual support. A particularly striking moment came when students formed the letters ‘Apeejay’ through different yoga postures.

The sporting drill presented by students of Classes VI, VII and VIII brought renewed energy to the field. Combining basketball, badminton and football, the performance showcased agility, precision, strength and the ability to work together towards a common goal.

The senior students of Classes IX to XII added a festive dimension to the celebrations with a lively bhangra performance. Their spirited movements, colourful presentation and infectious enthusiasm brought a distinctly Punjabi flavour to the occasion.

Alongside these displays, the athletic competitions generated considerable excitement. Relay races across different classes tested speed, timing and coordination, with every baton exchange drawing enthusiastic encouragement from spectators.

The boys of Classes X and XI competed in the challenging 400-metre race, while students from other classes participated in relay competitions. Events such as the high jump and standing broad jump provided further opportunities for young athletes to demonstrate their stamina, technique and determination.

The celebrations also extended beyond student participation. Parents exchanged their usual places in the audience for positions on the running track, enthusiastically taking part in races organised for mothers and fathers. A particularly heartwarming attraction was the grandparents’ race, which celebrated the bond between generations.

The prize distribution ceremony recognised the achievements of students who had distinguished themselves through their sporting performances. Young achievers who had represented the school at district, zonal, state and national levels were also acknowledged.

An important moment came with the announcement of Discipline House as the Best House in Marching, recognising its impressive coordination and disciplined presentation.

The celebrations concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Senior Vice-principal, Dr Renuka Kamal, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries. “We express our deepest regards to our late Founder-Chairman, Dr Stya Paul, whose vision of excellence in education continues to guide us. We are extremely fortunate to have Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, whose belief in nurturing both the mind and heart inspires all our endeavours. I extend my sincere gratitude to Dr Neha Berlia for her constant guidance and progressive outlook, which encourages us to scale new heights.

“I also extend a special thanks to our Director-Principal for leading this event with such clarity. I also thank the Physical Education Department, coaches, teachers, non-teaching staff, Music, IT and Art Departments, support staff, parents and students, whose dedication, enthusiasm and collective efforts made ZenSpark a memorable celebration,” she said.

The sporting event came to an end with the school song: Hum Apeejay ke Bacche…