Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 3: With the aim of providing a platform for young basketball enthusiasts to showcase their talents, hone their skills and develop the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie, Lourdes Central School, Bejai, Mangaluru, organised and hosted the AICS Basketball Tournament – Dribble Warriors 2026 on November 3.
The tournament brought together enthusiastic young athletes from various CBSE and ICSE schools of Dakshina Kannada District, providing them with an opportunity to display their sporting abilities, strengthen their skills and foster healthy competition.
Inaugural Ceremony
The inaugural programme commenced with a soulful prayer song rendered by the school choir, invoking God's blessings upon the gathering and setting a serene tone for the occasion.
The occasion was graced by Fr Stany Pereira, Manager, Lourdes Central School; Fr Johnson L. Sequeira, principal, Lourdes Central School; The chief guest Deekshith Amin, International Level Basketball player, Anitha Thomas, vice principal and Veerendra Alva, covenor of the tournament.
Neha Michael extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, participating teams, coaches, referees, officials and the gathering.
Suneetha K introduced the chief guest, Deekshith Amin, highlighting his achievements and contributions to the field of basketball.
Addressing the young athletes, the chief guest delivered an inspiring message, emphasising that success requires consistent hard work, dedication and determination. He encouraged the participants to dream big, trust their coaches and remain focused on their goals. He reminded them that representing their schools was already a matter of pride and motivated them to work towards achieving greater heights in the future.
In his address, Fr Stany Pereira, manager, appreciated the principal, sports staff and management for their dedicated efforts in organizing the tournament. He urged the students to draw inspiration from the chief guest and reminded them that consistent practice and perseverance are essential for achieving success.
The highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the unveiling of the tournament title, Dribble Warriors 2026. The dignitaries ceremoniously unveiled the trophies as a specially designed cloth rolled down from above, revealing the tournament title and creating excitement among the gathering.
The inauguration continued on the basketball court, where the chief guest, manager and principal ceremoniously shot the ball through the basketball hoop, officially marking the commencement of the tournament.
Teresa Monteiro proposed the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, school management, participating institutions, coaches, referees, organizers and everyone who contributed towards the successful commencement of the tournament.
The inaugural programme was gracefully compered by Lolita.
Valedictory ceremony
The valedictory programme was graced by Fr. Johnson L Sequeira, principal; Anitha Thomas, vice principal, Shakthimani, basketball coach and Karnataka state referee, who was the chief guest for the valedictory ceremony and Veerendra Alva, convenor of the tournament.
Seema Lobo extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, participating teams, coaches, officials and the gathering.
Shreyas L introduced the Chief Guest, Shakthimani, highlighting his experience and contributions to the field of basketball.
The Chief Guest addressed the gathering with an inspiring message, encouraging the young athletes to remain dedicated, practice regularly, maintain discipline and teamwork and strive hard to achieve success in their sporting journey.
In his address, Fr. Johnson L Sequeira, principal, congratulated all the participants and reminded them that they arrived as competitors but were leaving as friends. He encouraged the runners-up never to lose heart and urged the winners to remain humble and gracious in their success.
The valedictory ceremony marked the successful culmination of the tournament, recognizing the efforts and achievements of the participating teams.
Results and prize distribution:
Under-14 Boys Category
Winners: Lourdes Central School
Runners-up: Mount Carmel Central School
Under-14 Girls Category
Winners: Cambridge School
Runners-up: Mount Carmel Central School
Best Player – Boys: Neil G Rodrigues (Lourdes Central School)
Best Player – Girls: Eva Tellis (Cambridge School)
The winners and runners-up were felicitated by the dignitaries amidst applause and appreciation.
Apoline Lobo proposed the vote of thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to the management, dignitaries, participating schools, coaches, referees, organisers and everyone who contributed to making the tournament a grand success.
The valedictory programme was gracefully compered by Nishmitha Pinto.
The tournament concluded on a joyous note, celebrating the enthusiasm and sporting spirit of all the participants. Dribble Warriors 2026 provided a valuable platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities, build friendships and create lasting memories.