The auditorium of Apeejay School, Noida, echoed with applause, house cheers and proud smiles as the Junior Category Sports Prize Distribution Ceremony unfolded in a spirited celebration of athletic excellence. With the winner’s podium set prominently on stage, students from Classes VI to VIII representing Tagore, Nehru, Radha Krishnan (RK), and Gandhi Houses gathered to be recognised for their dedication and perseverance throughout the year.
The awards were presented by Vice Principal Ms Puneeta Hasija along with the teachers of the Sports Department, who have consistently guided and trained students across various disciplines.
A Ceremony Rooted in Discipline
Before the distribution of prizes commenced, Vice Principal Ms Puneeta Bhasin addressed both the prize winners and the audience, underlining the importance of decorum — a value deeply embedded in sports culture.
“We are very happy that so many of you have worked hard to reach this platform where you will be applauded. But always remember, a sportsperson is truly a sportsperson only when he or she maintains discipline,” she reminded the gathering.
She emphasised that being present in the auditorium was not merely a break from regular classes, but a learning opportunity — one that required attentiveness, respect and responsibility. Her message set the tone for the ceremony, reinforcing that discipline remains the cornerstone of both sports and life.
Girls’ Achievements: Strength with Grace
The ceremony began with the recognition of the girls’ achievements, celebrating their grit, stamina and sportsmanship.
Swimming Excellence
The inter-section swimming events for Class VI witnessed impressive performances in the 25m Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke categories, reflecting both technical skill and endurance.
The inter-house swimming competitions brought heightened excitement as students competed for house pride.
In the 4x25m Relay, Gandhi House clinched the first position, followed by RK House in second place and Tagore House in third — a testament to teamwork and coordination.
Yoga: Balance and Focus
In Yoga, Nehru House secured the first position, RK House stood second and Gandhi House finished third.
A special mention was made of Rishita (6A), who won first prize at the International Inter-School event ‘Yog – A Way of Life’ (CREO 2025) and represented the school at the CBSE North Zone Yoga Competition in Saharanpur. Her achievement highlighted the school’s encouragement of participation beyond internal platforms.
Track and Field: Endurance and Energy
The athletic events showcased remarkable stamina and competitive spirit across track and field disciplines including 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m races, along with Shot Put, Discus Throw and Long Jump.
In relay events:
- 4x200m Relay (Girls): 1st – Nehru, 2nd – Tagore, 3rd – RK
- 4x400m Relay (Girls): 1st – RK, 2nd – Nehru, 3rd – Tagore
Field events reflected not just physical strength but technique and concentration, with enthusiastic participation across houses.
Team Sports: Learning Through Collaboration
Team games brought electrifying energy to the ceremony.
In the girls’ category:
- Kho Kho: 1st – Nehru, 2nd – RK, 3rd – Gandhi
- Badminton: 1st – RK, 2nd – Gandhi, 3rd – Nehru
- Basketball: RK emerged dominant, followed by Nehru and Gandhi
These victories were not just about points scored, but about coordination, leadership and unity.
Boys’ Sporting Achievements
The boys’ categories were equally competitive and inspiring.
Swimming
Boys competed in 25m Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly events.
In the inter-house 4x25m relay, Nehru House secured first place, followed by Tagore and RK Houses.
Athletics
In relay competitions:
- 4x200m Relay: 1st – Tagore, 2nd – Nehru, 3rd – RK
- 4x400m Relay: 1st – Tagore, 2nd – RK, 3rd – Nehru
The track events once again demonstrated endurance, speed and disciplined training.
Team Sports
In Chess, Gandhi House led, followed by Tagore and Nehru.
In Table Tennis, RK secured first place.
In Badminton, Tagore House emerged victorious.
In Basketball, Gandhi House claimed the top position.
In Football, Nehru House stood first, followed by RK and Tagore.
Best Sportsperson Awards: Recognising Individual Brilliance
The ceremony also honoured outstanding individual performers.
- Football (Junior Boys): Haider Javed (7E) and Praneet Bora (8E)
- Basketball (Junior Boys): Dhruvansh (8B)
- Basketball (Junior Girls): Prisha Kataria (7E) and Vihaana Vaid (8C)
- Skating (Junior Girls): Tia Yadav (8C)
Outstanding Sportsperson Awards:
- Skating – Kshitij
- Badminton – Shivi Aggarwal
- Football – Vitee Garg
- Shooting – Viraat Pathania
These recognitions reflected sustained excellence and dedication across sporting disciplines.
Voices from the Podium
For many students, the moment of stepping onto the stage was deeply emotional.
Prarthana Nagpal (8C) shared, “It feels wonderful to be recognised for your performance. It is truly a proud moment in my life.”
Siddhi Goyal (8A) reflected on her learning journey: “Sports has taught me that we must first try instead of thinking that we cannot do something. Coming on stage and receiving a medal feels extremely special.”
Vihaana Vaid (8C), who secured multiple medals and was awarded Best Basketball Player, said, “Sports has taught me discipline and sportsmanship. Winning is not everything — learning matters just as much. Receiving 13 medals today feels very rewarding.”
Samreen Kasana (8A), who bagged 11 medals, added, “We should always stay disciplined and give our best. Winning made me feel proud, but the effort behind it matters more.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mr Sunny Chaudhary, PGT Physical Education, stated, “In sports, we must emphasise respect, integrity and grace — both in victory and defeat.”
The School’s Philosophy: Fitness Before Victory
Principal Dr Neha Sharma highlighted the broader philosophy guiding sports education at the school.
“Our philosophy is to encourage students to play for fitness. Winning comes later. When you play for fitness, it becomes a lifelong habit. Sports prepare students to take on life’s challenges and teach essential skills such as teamwork, discipline, collaboration and perseverance,” she explained.
She further emphasised the importance of reducing excessive screen time and prioritising physical well-being in today’s digital age. The focus, she reiterated, is not merely on medals, but on nurturing resilient and confident individuals.