Five spirited hoopsters, Arshpreet Kaur (XII), Sukhmani Deol (XII), Aishpreet (XI), Arshavi Verma (XI), and Jasnoor Kaur (X), brought laurels to Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, by showcasing their talent at the School District Basketball Tournament (U-19) hosted by C.T. Public School. With grit, teamwork, and an unyielding passion for the game, the team clinched the Bronze Medal, securing three winning positions.
Adding to the celebration, two players have been chosen for the prestigious Basketball State Camp 2025-2026. Applauding the young achievers, Principal Mr AK Sharma and Vice-principal Ms Loveleen Bagga lauded their dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship, while extending best wishes for their forthcoming state-level journey.
In a candid interview, the players share their sporting journey, among other things.
Arshpreet, studying in Class XII and pursuing Commerce, shared that as a Sports Captain of the school and also leading the under-19 basketball team, the Bronze medal was more than a win.
“It was an achievement for my school, and I felt proud to bring this recognition home. The most memorable moment for me was when we lost our very first match. Instead of letting that setback defeat us, we reflected on our weaknesses, supported each other, and came back stronger. That moment taught us invaluable lessons in teamwork, cooperation, communication, and leadership. At the district tournament, though, one of our key players couldn’t join, and we missed out on the silver. Still, the experience reminded me that failure can be the best teacher,” she said.
Playing basketball since her early years, and the daily hobby period gives the team an hour of practice. “We sharpen our skills, work on techniques, and build endurance. For this tournament, however, we barely had time to prepare since it clashed with exams. Even so, we showed up, gave our best, and learnt to respect wins and losses with equal grace,” she added.
Sukhmani, also a Class XII student pursuing Commerce, said, “My journey with basketball began in Class VI when my coach introduced me to the sport. Since then, I have been in love with the game. The key strategy behind our success was control and coordination. On the court, no one must be biased or selective; everyone must work as a unit. Our coach motivated us constantly, guided us on the rules, and ensured we never gave up. She even pushed us during training with extra rounds to build endurance.”
To younger students, Sukhmani, who also writes poetry and enjoys reading, has a simple advice for young players: Never give up, even if people doubt your abilities. If basketball is your dream, pursue it wholeheartedly.
Aishpreet, a Class XI student’s passion for basketball started in Class IV. “One of the biggest challenges we faced as a team was the lack of practice before the tournament. The rains had kept us away from the court, and when the event finally arrived, it felt like we were starting all over again. Yet, instead of losing hope, we stood by each other, adjusted during matches, and kept our spirits high,” she said.
Her father is her biggest inspiration. “His constant encouragement motivates me to push myself harder and aim higher. Balancing academics and basketball is not easy, but I’ve learnt to manage my time effectively. Interestingly, basketball fuels my enthusiasm for studies, helping me stay energetic and focused,” she shared.
Arshavi, a Class XI Science student and the Deputy Head Girl of the school, apart from basketball, is passionate about dance and reading novels. “This tournament was my first experience at the district level, and winning the Bronze gave me immense confidence. It was thrilling to watch other teams play, then step onto the court ourselves and secure a position. Communication and coordination were vital for us. We kept calling out to each other during the game, ensuring every teammate was involved and the defense stayed strong. Our school also stood firmly by us. When our matches clashed with exams, the school postponed our tests, encouraging us to focus on the game,” she shared.
Jasnoor, a 15-year-old student of Class X, plays as both an attacker and defender. “I felt truly special representing my school at the district level. It was my first match experience, and stepping straight into the U-19 category as an Apeejayite was thrilling. Our team played with strong teamwork, though the other teams impressed with their coordination,” she shared.