Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 9: Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru successfully hosted the AICS Inter-school D.K District Handball Tournament - MCCS Goal Quest 2025, themed "Shoot, Score, Soar", bringing together young athletes from across the district to celebrate unity, discipline, and teamwork through the dynamic sport of handball.

The tournament was inaugurated in a vibrant ceremony filled with enthusiasm and youthful energy. The event was presided over by Sr Maria Sudeepa AC, secretary of the Apostolic Carmel Educational Society.

The chief guest for the inaugural was Earl Bryan Johnson, a distinguished national handball player and handball coach of the Dakshina Kannada Handball Association. Both the guests, along with principal Sr Melissa, administrator Sr Carissima, vice principal Sr Teena and PTA vice president Ananthesh Prabhu were accorded a grand welcome to the dignified tune of the School Band, and escorted by the NCC cadets.

The programme began with a serene invocation by the school choir, followed by a vibrant welcome dance, symbolising the joy and togetherness of the occasion. Principal Sr Melissa extended a cordial and graceful welcome address, setting the tone for a memorable day.

The official inauguration of MCCS Goal Quest 2025 was creatively carried out by the chief guest Earl Bryan Johnson along with other dignitaries. In his inspiring address, the chief guest applauded the school for its exemplary organisation, and for hosting such a high-calibre sporting event. He appreciated the commitment of participating schools who nurture young talents, and concluded with the encouraging words, "May the best team win!"

Sr Maria Sudeepa AC, in her presidential address, blessed all the players, reminding them that true sportsmanship lies in accepting both victory and defeat gracefully. Her message of harmony and encouragement resonated deeply with the young athletes, setting a tone of grace and for the upcoming matches.

To ensure fair play, Nikhil, the chief referee, briefed all teams on the tournament rules. The vote of thanks was proposed by teacher Vidya, while teacher Reema Verghese compered the inaugural ceremony.

The day unfolded with thrilling matches, each reflecting the spirit of determination and team work, a embodiment of the belief that ‘Victory is sweetest when earned through effort and respect’

The tournament culminated in a grand valedictory ceremony celebrating the champions and outstanding performers. The chief guest for the closing ceremony was Fr Johnson L Sequeira, treasurer of AICS and principal of Lourdes Central School, Mangaluru.

The evening commenced with a soulful thank-you song by the school choir, acknowledging the successful completion of the event. Vice principal Sr Teena delivered a warm and heartfelt welcome address. Fr Johnson Sequeira extended his formal commendations to the principal and the organising staff for their exemplary stewardship and the impeccable execution of the event.

He was particularly impressed by the participants’ palpable enthusiasm and their ability to represent their schools with such distinction and honour. He asserted the importance of delivering the “right pass to the right person at the right time”. He concluded by congratulating all the winners for their remarkable achievements.

Sr Reshma D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. The much-awaited prize distribution followed, where teacher Helen invited the chief guest to present the trophies to the winners, and special achievers.

Mount Carmel Central School established clear dominance, securing three of the four champion titles. Lourdes Central School also celebrated a major victory in the senior girls’ category.

Under-14 champions: Mount Carmel Central School won both the boys’ and girls’ titles. The runners-up were Vidyadyinee English Medium School (boys) and St Agnes CBSE School (girls).

Under-17 champions: Mount Carmel Central School claimed the boys’ championship, while Lourdes Central School took the girls’ title. Assisi Central School earned the runner-up position in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

Best goalkeepers:

U-14 boys: Lijesh Yogesh Salian, Vidyadyinee English Medium School, Surathkal.

U-14 girls: Adya K, St Agnes School, Bendore.

U-17 boys: Srikar Sai, Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill.

U-17 girls: Viola Prewal Lasrado, Assisi Central School, Deralakatte.

Best defenders:

U-14 boys: Alan Lobo, Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill.

U-14 girls: Anna Lobo, Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill.

U-17 boys: Priyansh D’Souza, Assisi Central School, Deralakatte.

U-17 girls: Evana Dsouza, Lourdes Central School, Bejai.

Best shooter:

U-14 boys: Royden Noronha Daniel, Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill.

U-14 girls: Reebha Shetty, Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill.

U-17 boys: Darren D’Souza, Mount Carmel Central School, Maryhill.

U-17 girls: Ania Mascarenhas, Lourdes Central School, Bejai

Teacher Riyona D’Silva compered the valedictory ceremony, which concluded with the National Anthem, leaving all participants with the enduring message that “Victory is not in winning every time, but in never giving up.”

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