Champions in the making: Students shine on Annual Sports Day

Events like the Annual Sports Day play a vital role in fostering students’ physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. They provide a platform for students to showcase their athletic talents, build resilience, and develop a sense of camaraderie. Such events also encourage a healthy lifestyle and highlight the importance of balancing academics with physical activity.

For the same, Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, came alive with the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork as it celebrated its highly anticipated Annual Sports Day. This much-awaited event was graced by Mr Ashan Kumar Sangwan, the Chief Guest, a distinguished sports figure and Arjuna and Dronacharya Award recipient. He at present, coaches the Indian Kabaddi team. Known for leading the national team to victory at the Asian Games, Mr Kumar brought immense pride and inspiration to the students. Dr Anoop Singh, another respected sports personality, was the Guest of Honour and added a special significance to the day’s proceedings.

Speaking at the event, Mr Kumar shared, “Sports teach invaluable life skills, from resilience to leadership. It is inspiring to see Apeejay School fostering a love for sports along with academics. I urge students to stay dedicated to both, as sports strengthen not only the body but also the mind and character.” 

The programme commenced with an impressive display of physical demonstrations by students, embodying their dedication to fitness and discipline. The performances included Surya Namaskar, PT drills, and dynamic dance formations, each illustrating the students’ agility, strength, and synchronised teamwork. Following these displays, Mr Kumar officially inaugurated the event and shared a motivational speech with the students.

He underscored the crucial role of sports in fostering holistic development and emphasised its synergy with academics. Mr Kumar also encouraged parents to support their children’s engagement in sports, whether for recreational purposes or as a potential career. Notably, he highlighted the role of sports in boosting immunity and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

A packed schedule of athletic competitions followed, keeping the crowd engaged and excited. The competitions featured sprints of varying distances, long jump, shot put, and discus throw, covering a total of 42 events. All the participants showcased their best, vying for medals and certificates awarded to first, second, and third-place winners in every category.

Aryan from class XII was declared the Best Athlete in the boys’ category, while Vanshu from class X earned the same title among the girls, celebrating their exceptional performances. Vivekananda House emerged as the Best House and was applauded for its remarkable accomplishments in sports.

Adding a touch of inclusivity, the event featured a 100-metre race for parents, which heightened the day’s excitement. In the men’s category, Dhruv’s (class VII) father, Mr Rahul Phogat, clinched first place, followed by Ananya’s (class XII) father, Mr Sandeep Kumar, in second, and Netri’s (class VI) father, Mr Watan, in third. In the women’s race, Babita Devi, mother of Rajat from class VIII, secured the top spot, while Asha Devi, mother of Suraj from class XII, and Neelam Nara, mother of Dakshita from class VIII, took second and third place, respectively. 

Concluding the vibrant day, the school Principal, Mr Vineet Vasishtha, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr Ashan Kumar and Dr Anoop Singh for their inspiring presence. He presented tokens of appreciation and shared a congratulatory message from Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education. Mrs Susham Paul Berlia commended the students, teachers, and parents for their efforts and extended her best wishes to the students, encouraging them to continue their journey of excellence in both academics and sports.

Overall, the event was an outstanding success.