Sports Day plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s overall development by promoting physical fitness, resilience, discipline, and teamwork. It provides students with a platform to compete fairly, celebrate collective achievement, and build confidence beyond the classroom. Keeping this in mind, Apeejay School, Noida, hosted its Annual Sports Day with remarkable zeal and precision, transforming the school grounds into a vibrant arena of colour, rhythm, and spirited competition.
The event, held under the patronage of Dr Stya Paul (Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group), a visionary industrialist and founder of Apeejay Education, Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Family Business Owner, Core Board Member of the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, reaffirmed the school’s dedication to promoting holistic development through sports and physical fitness.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, Kirti Chakra Awardee and Former Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force, and the Special Guest, Ms Zainab Khatoon, internationally recognised para-lifter and National Gold Medallist. Also present were special invitees, Shri Sonu Kumar and Shri Vikram, drill instructors from the 31 UP Girls NCC Battalion, parents, grandparents and esteemed alumni.
The school Principal, Dr Neha Sharma, addressed the gathering. After giving the dignitaries a green welcome and felicitating them, she extended a heartfelt welcome to the dignitaries, alumni, parents, teachers, and students, emphasising the school’s commitment to nurturing confident, disciplined, and resilient young individuals. She highlighted the significance of reinstating the tradition of Sports Day with renewed vigour and formally declared the Annual Sports Meet open, setting an enthusiastic tone for the proceedings.
The hoisting of the School Flag and the release of the colourful balloons marked the ceremonial beginning of the event. This was followed by one of the morning’s most anticipated segments, the March Past. More than 300 students representing the four Houses stepped forward in immaculate formations, demonstrating the discipline and unity that form the backbone of the school’s sports culture.
The Houses marched in traditional order: Gandhi House in red, symbolising courage and moral strength; Nehru House in blue, representing scientific temper and determination; Radhakrishnan House in green, inspired by wisdom and clarity; and Tagore House in yellow, radiating creativity and harmony. Each contingent carried its colours with pride, executing synchronised steps as they approached the saluting dais.
The March Past also featured a proud and impressive contingent from the 31 UP Girls NCC Battalion, marching with crisp precision and disciplined formations. Their smart turnout and synchronised steps added a distinguished presence to the ceremony, showcasing the confidence and leadership the battalion embodies. Their participation marked a significant moment for the school, highlighting the introduction of its newly instituted NCC Army Wing. The March Past was judged by Shri Sonu Kumar and Shri Vikram, whose precise evaluation added a competitive edge to the display.
Following the March Past, the traditional Lighting of the Torch symbolised the beginning of athletic competitions. The flame was handed over by the Chief Guest to the Sports Captains, beginning a ceremonial lap around the arena before taking its place as the guiding light for the day’s events. The Oath-taking Ceremony followed, with student representatives pledging adherence to rules, discipline, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.
The arena soon echoed with the sounds of drums, pipes, and rhythmic beats as the School Band took centre stage. Comprising students from Classes VI to XI, the band performed classic patriotic tunes, including Sare Jahan Se Acha, with precision and flair. Their synchronised movements and harmonised instrumentation provided a stirring musical interlude between the ceremonial proceedings.
It was then time for the Chief Guest to take the podium. Mr Dubey’s speech centred on parenting. “In our childhood, guidance came from many directions, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, even neighbours. That collective supervision shaped our behaviour, protected us, and kept us grounded. Today’s children grow up differently. Families are smaller, both parents often work, and young people spend long hours either in school or alone, surrounded by screens and digital distractions,” he shared.
Technology is a boon, but it can also pull children into a fast, illusionary world, he added. “Reducing screen time is essential because personality is built through real experiences, not virtual ones. I encouraged parents to remain present in their child’s daily life, not by constant monitoring, but by observing small signals in behaviour, tone, or comments. Children always communicate their needs; we only need to notice,” Mr Dubey stated.
He emphasised that while children value privacy, parents must gently balance respect with involvement. “Your presence, attention, and emotional engagement remain the strongest anchors in a world where traditional social support systems have become smaller,” he said.
A series of well-coordinated displays showcased the school’s emphasis on physical training and creativity. The Aerobics Drill by students of the primary section set a lively tempo with upbeat sequences and colourful pom-poms. The Pyramid Formation, Hoola Hoop Display, Dumbbell Drill, Tipri Dance, and Yoga Demonstration followed, each routine highlighting balance, teamwork, endurance, and artistic interpretation. The disciplined execution of these items stood as a testament to weeks of dedicated preparation by students and instructors alike.
As the performances concluded, the intensity of the event shifted to the track. The 100-metre flat races for the boys and girls of Class V drew spirited cheers from the audience. Participants from all four Houses ran with conviction, reflecting both competitive spirit and sportsmanship. This was followed by fun races for Classes III and IV, where the young participants navigated zigzag paths, tunnels, ladders, and hurdles with infectious enthusiasm.
The track continued to be the centre of excitement with junior and senior 100-metre sprints, the 4×200-metre Mixed Relay, and the 4×400-metre Senior Boys Relay, each event keeping spectators engrossed. Encouraged by the races around them, parents too joined the spirited Mothers’ Race and Fathers’ Race, resulting in a cheerful display of energy, camaraderie, and community bonding.
The Prize Distribution Ceremony recognised the outstanding performers of the day. Shri Dubey and Ms Khatoon honoured winners across categories with medals and certificates as Houses shared accolades throughout the morning. The results demonstrated closely matched performances, with Gandhi, Nehru, Radhakrishnan, and Tagore House all securing notable victories across different events. The March Past was won by Radhakrishnan House, followed by Nehru House, and in third place, Tagore House.
The afternoon unfolded with the Tipri Drill by Class VIII students, a traditional rhythmic performance defined by sharp strikes, coordinated steps, and vibrant visual appeal. The Yoga Display, performed by the primary and middle school students, created a serene ambience through its measured postures and graceful transitions.
A visually striking segment arrived with Sports Guru, a demonstration exclusive to students of the Apeejay Education. With over a hundred participants, the segment featured a colourful parachute display followed by demonstrations of popular games including cricket, hockey, football, rugby, and archery. The segment celebrated teamwork, balance, accuracy, and sports etiquette.
As the day drew towards its conclusion, the grounds were prepared for the Grand Finale. More than 1,200 students came together in a final coordinated performance that filled the field with vibrant formations, sweeping movements, and a celebratory spirit that encapsulated the essence of the entire event. The Principal then formally declared the Sports Day closed, and the programme concluded with the resonant chorus of the National Anthem.
Annual Sports Day at Apeejay School, Noida, provided children with an essential platform to discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and celebrate collective achievement; skills that extend well beyond the sports field.