Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 14: Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill, Mangaluru, celebrated its annual sports meet 2026–27 on November 13 for the students of grades V to XII with great enthusiasm and sporting fervour.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with the arrival of chief guest Lokaraja V S, an accomplished swimming and kho-kho coach and sports trainer. Accompanied by the school band, led by band Leader Amora Nazreth, and escorted by NCC cadets, he was welcomed by principal Sister Melissa, vice principal Sister Jovita, PTA vice president Sujay D'Silva and PTA joint secretary Merralyn Pereira.
The hoisting of the school flag marked the beginning of the celebrations, followed by an impressive March Past led by school sports minister Jesnia Correa, asst sports minister Vanessa Concessao, head boy Arush Ullal and head girl Aloma Lobo.
Students from the senior secondary, secondary, intermediate and junior sections marched proudly representing the five houses — Daffodils, Bluebells, Orchids, Anthuriums and Tulips. An invocation by the school choir and a graceful welcome dance added solemnity to the occasion. Principal Sister Melissa then welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest.
The highlight of the ceremony was the ceremonial torch relay, symbolising courage, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. The flame was carried by Alita D'Souza of Grade VI B, selected for the SGFI National Swimming Competition; Aaston Lobo of Grade X D, a skating champion; Aaron Paul Menezes of Grade IX D, who represented Karnataka at the National Football 7 League in Pune; and Sonal D. Poojary of Grade IX A, a national-level track and field athlete; and finally Jesnia Correa, an exceptional skating champion and recipient of the DK District Rajyotsava Award 2026. The chief guest received the torch and handed it over for the final relay, culminating in the lighting of the sports cauldron.
The school sports minister, Jesnia Correa, administered the oath, reaffirming the participants' commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. A spectacular mass drill featuring synchronised movements, formations and human pyramids enthralled the gathering. The chief guest then formally declared the meet open through the release of colourful balloons representing the five houses.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Lokaraja V S commended the students for their disciplined march past and vibrant drill display. Drawing from his experience as a coach, he emphasised that sports play a vital role in building physical endurance, mental resilience, and character. He encouraged the young athletes to participate with true sportsman spirit, reminding them that consistent practice, respect for rules, and graceful acceptance of both victory and defeat are what define a true champion.
The ceremony also honoured three outstanding sportspersons for their achievements at the CBSE South Zone and National Championships. Alita D'Souza of Grade VI B who secured silver in the U-14 Girls' 50m Backstroke at both the CBSE South Zone Championship in Thrissur and the CBSE National Championship in Bhopal, marking the school's first-ever national-level swimming medal.
Glania Lobo of Grade III B for winning a gold in the 500m Rink Race at the CBSE South Zone Skating Championship in Bengaluru and for getting qualified for the national championship at Belagavi. Jesnia Correa of Grade X D for bagging gold in both the 500m and 1000m Rink Races at the CBSE South Zone Skating Championship. With a national tally of 14 gold, five silver and three bronze medals, she was also honoured for receiving the Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award 2026. The felicitation was led by Tr Reshma Fernandes.
The athletic competitions that followed witnessed enthusiastic participation and spirited performances across age groups and disciplines, reflecting the students' energy, determination and competitive spirit.
The valedictory ceremony and prize distribution were graced by Megha Munavallimath, a state-level athletic champion and fitness trainer from Endurance Academy, Mangaluru. The programme began with an invocation by the school choir, followed by a welcome address by coordinator Tr Jyotsna.
In her valedictory address, chief guest Megha Munavallimath congratulated the winners and lauded all participants for their wholehearted effort on the field. Highlighting the importance of physical fitness and daily discipline in a student's life, she urged the students to carry forward the lessons learned on the playground - teamwork, focus, and perseverance—into their academics and personal aspirations.
The prize distribution, led by Tr Riyona D'Silva recognised the outstanding performances of the students. The individual championships recognised outstanding performances across four categories. In the junior category, Daksh Sakshi Kothary and Daisy Maria Pais of Orchids won the boys' and girls' titles respectively. The intermediate boys' championship was shared by Shayden Prinston Rego of Bluebells and Ridit S Shetty of Tulips, while Livia D'Souza of Anthuriums won the girls' title.
In the senior category, Sonal D Poojary of Bluebells and Ekalavya S Bhat of Anthuriums shared the boys' championship, while Jesnia Correa claimed the girls' title. In the senior secondary category, Manan Pal won the boys' championship, while Prishma Y. Suvarna shared the girls' title. Bluebells House emerged as overall champions with 606 points, followed closely by Orchids House with 596 points. Anthuriums House secured third place with 535 points, while Tulips House finished fourth with 450 points.
The winners were applauded for their achievements, while every participant was appreciated for contributing to the success of the meet. The lowering of the sports flag by the chief guest and dignitaries marked the conclusion of the celebrations. Ajay proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts of everyone involved in organising the event.
The annual sports meet was more than a contest of speed, strength and skill; it celebrated resilience, confidence, discipline and togetherness. Reflecting the school's motto, Higher and Nobler, the event reaffirmed Mount Carmel Central School's commitment to holistic education, where sporting excellence complements academic growth and the development of well-rounded individuals.