Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 28: The sprawling grounds of Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru, vibrated with cheer, discipline and excitement as the school held its Annual Sports Meet 2025–26 for the students of grade V to XII, under the inspiring theme, 'Igniting the flame of future champions'. The event was a magnificent showcase of athletic skill, unwavering teamwork, and the inherent Carmel spirit that fosters holistic development in every student.
The dusky Saturday morning began with the assembly of athletes. Contingents representing the five school houses lined up smartly: Daffodils (white), Bluebells (blue), Orchids (orange), Anthuriums (green), and Tulips (Red). The chief guest, Vikas Manohar Puthran, an accomplished athlete and senior sports assistant at BSNL and co-founder of Atomm Fitness Club, Mangaluru, was warmly received by principal Sr Melissa, superior of Vijaymari Convent Sr Asha Prima, vice principal Sr Teena, PTA vice president Ananthesh Prabhu and physical education coordinator Teena. The dignitaries were then ceremoniously escorted to the dais by the NCC Cadets and the school band, commencing the grand celebration.
The event began with the hoisting of the school flag by the chief guest, to the tune of the stirring music of the school band. The sight of the flag fluttering high against the morning misty sky instilled a deep sense of pride and unity in all present. The March Past that followed was a breathtaking display of coordination, discipline and elegance. Led by their platoon leaders, flag bearers and placard holders, the contingents of the five houses marched smartly to the band’s rhythm, saluting the chief guest as they passed the dais. Each house strikingly reflected its colour, strength, and motto with precision, a true testament to their teamwork and training. The chief guest took the salute and lauded the students for their poise and spirit. The thunderous applause that followed affirmed the excellence of the Carmel marching contingent, a proud moment for the entire MCCS family.
The school choir then led the Invocation, a soulful prayer seeking divine blessings for a day filled with fairness, joy and success. This was followed by a graceful welcome dance by the students, symbolizing the spirit of celebration and setting a cheerful tone for the morning. Principal Sr Melissa in her welcome address, extended heartfelt greetings to the chief guest, dignitaries, staff, parents and students, and introduced the chief guest to the audience. She emphasized the importance of sports in fostering discipline, character and leadership, reminding the students that true success lies not only in victory, but in consistent effort, teamwork and mutual respect. In a meaningful gesture of appreciation, the chief guest was presented with a sapling by physical education coordinator Teena D’Souza, symbolizing growth, environmental awareness, and the school’s commitment to nurturing both nature and young minds.
The next moment of grandeur was the lighting of the torch, symbolizing courage, perseverance, and the eternal flame of sportsmanship. The torch relay was carried by the school’s distinguished athletes: Aaron Dsouza, International gold medallist in Karate; Manvi, state-level bronze medallist in athletics; Hanish H Devadiga, National karate champion; Alita D’Souza, state-level gold medallist in swimming; Ethan Marcus Pais, national-level long jump medallist; and Johan Gladson, school sports minister and national level athlete. The final torchbearer, Johan, handed over the torch to the chief guest and then lit the sports flame, kept on the grounds, to the sound of loud cheers and thunderous applause.
The athlete’s oath was then administered by sports minister Johan Gladson, who led the participants in pledging to uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship, fairness, and integrity. The athletes, with their right hands raised, echoed their commitment to honour and fair play. The ground next came alive with a colourful and energetic mass drill, presented with perfect synchronization by the students. Their coordinated movements and rhythmic steps demonstrated grace, teamwork, and dedication, earning appreciation from the audience.
Following the mass drill, chief guest Vikas Manohar Puthran officially declared the Annual Sports Meet 2025 open by releasing a bunch of colourful balloons into the sky, symbolizing the 5 houses of the school with their soaring dreams and aspirations.
In his inspiring address, the chief guest congratulated the school on its meticulous organization of the event and the students for their enthusiastic participation. He encouraged the students to make a mark in the field of sports and bring laurels to the country in Olympics events. He urged the students to give their best in every field, reminding them that true champions are those who never give up.
Teacher Sunitha Singh proposed the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the chief guest, management, staff, parents, and students for their collective effort in making the event a grand success. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a dignified March Off, as the contingents exited the ground in disciplined formation to the beat of the band.
The rest of the day witnessed a series of exciting track and field events, where students showcased their athletic prowess and competitive spirit. Cheers of encouragement echoed across the field as students and teachers joined in the enthusiasm.
As dusk approached, the school gathered once again for the valedictory ceremony, marking the grand culmination of the day. The ceremony began with a solemn thanksgiving song by the school choir, expressing gratitude to God for His mercies experienced amid the fears of a rainy day and for the successful completion of the meet. The chief guest for the closing ceremony, Meena Wilma D’Souza, a national level long jump player, was warmly welcomed and introduced by vice principal Sr Teena. A flower sapling was offered to the chief guest by principal Sr Melissa in appreciation for gracing the occasion.
In her address, the chief guest congratulated all the winners and lauded their commendable efforts. She remarked that sports are not merely about competition, but a powerful medium to build character, discipline, and teamwork. Emphasizing participation over triumph, she beautifully noted that “the lessons learned on the field remain with us for a lifetime, shaping who we become beyond the boundaries of the game.”
The much-awaited part of the valedictory was the prize distribution, where the individual champions in each category and the overall team championships based on house points, were awarded trophies amid cheers and applause. Smiling faces and joyful hearts reflected the fulfilment of hard work and true sportsmanship. The vote of thanks was delivered by teacher Nishain, appreciating everyone whose dedication and support contributed to the success of the event.
The school flag was then lowered to the solemn tune of “Abide with Me.” The flag was handed over by the house captains to the sports minister, who in turn presented it to the principal for safekeeping until the next meet, symbolizing the unbroken legacy of the Carmel spirit.
The sports meet of grade V to XII for the academic year 2025-26 concluded with the national anthem, sung with pride and reverence, marking the end of a day filled with achievement and joy. As the event drew to a close, the lively music blended with the soft patter of rain, while children danced with boundless enthusiasm, bringing the day’s festivities to a joyful and memorable end.