The CISCE Games and Sports National Athletic Meet 2024 was inaugurated with grandeur and enthusiasm at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. Hosted by St. Joseph’s School, Asmangadh Palace, Malakpet, this prestigious event drew over 1300 athletes from ICSE and ISC schools across India, all competing with dedication, skill, and sportsmanship.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights:The inaugural ceremony on September 25th began at 10:00 a.m., setting the tone for the three-day event with a display of unity and pride. The ceremony commenced with a prayer song by the choir from St. Joseph's School, Malakpet, followed by a warm welcome address by Mrs. U. A. Sundari, Secretary and Treasurer ASISC, AP and Telangana Region, Games and Sports Coordinator, and Principal of the host school. Her words highlighted the significance of this event in fostering both athletic skill and sportsmanship among young competitors. She also thanked CISCE for entrusting the school with the responsibility of hosting this prestigious event.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Avinash Mohanty, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad Metropolitan Police, along with Guest of Honour Ms. Nithya Gandhe—India's fastest woman athlete of 2024 and a proud alumna of St. Joseph's School—were introduced to the audience. The CISCE flag was ceremonially hoisted by the Chief Guest, symbolising the commencement of the athletic meet. This was followed by a vibrant march-past by participating athletes, accompanied by a band, demonstrating discipline and unity among the athletes. The students of St. Joseph’s then performed a welcome dance, capturing the festive spirit of the occasion.
In his keynote address, Mr. Mohanty emphasised the role of sports in building character and leadership, urging young athletes to strive for excellence, support one another, and demonstrate empathy towards fellow athletes. His words reminded the athletes that true success in sports goes beyond winning—it embodies respect, unity, and resilience. Following him, Ms. Nithya Gandhe shared her journey from a student athlete to a national icon, inspiring students to pursue their dreams with ambition and discipline. She encouraged them to cultivate perseverance and a positive mindset, qualities she credited with shaping her career.
The opening ceremony concluded with the symbolic lighting of the torch which was followed by a torch run and the oath-taking ceremony by the athletes, pledging commitment to fair play and the spirit of competition.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Mr. Alexander Reddy, Secretary of St. Antony’s Education Society; Mr. Anil Israel, President ASISC AP and Telangana Region, CISCE Games and Sports Joint Coordinator AP and Telangana Region, and Principal of Johnson Grammar School, Habsiguda, Hyderabad; and Mrs. Shobha Khakarla, Director of International School, Shaikpet. Their presence underscored the event's strong support from both the academic and athletic communities, creating a vibrant platform for fostering excellence.
A Showcase of Talent and Determination:The competitions kicked off with high-energy events, including the 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints, relay races, and hurdle races, captivating audiences and setting the stage for impressive performances. Field events such as the hammer throw, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw showcased athletes’ power and precision, while the long jump and high jump events displayed moments of grace and athleticism.
Each day of the meet saw athletes pushing boundaries, breaking records, and setting new benchmarks. The relay races brought the crowd to their feet, as competitors demonstrated remarkable teamwork and strategy. These challenging field events tested athletes’ strength and focus, while the track events highlighted endurance and speed. The diverse range of competitions underscored the depth of talent among CISCE’s student athletes, making the event a true celebration of Indian youth athletics.
Paving the Way for Future Champions:The CISCE National Athletic Meet is not only about immediate victories; it is a stepping stone for future achievements in Indian athletics. The winners and runners-up across various events earned the opportunity to participate in the prestigious School Games Federation of India (SGFI), advancing them toward representing their states on a larger national platform. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in their athletic journeys, opening doors to refine their skills and compete at even higher levels.
Valedictory Ceremony Highlights:The meet concluded on September 27th with an inspiring valedictory ceremony, which celebrated the athletes’ hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. The Chief Guest for the closing ceremony, Mr. B. Venu Gopala Reddy, DSP of Telangana, was welcomed with great anticipation. Known for his contributions to social upliftment and advocacy for sustainable solutions, his presence added significance to the event. In his closing address, Mr. Reddy highlighted the transformative power of sports, emphasising its role in personal growth and social impact. He encouraged the athletes to channel their talents toward positive change both on and off the field.
Ms. Dandi Jyothika Sri, an esteemed athlete who represented India at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, was also present at the ceremony. Her achievements in various prestigious platforms in India and on the global stage made her an inspiration to young athletes across the nation. Reflecting on her journey, she credited her early sports experiences and education as foundational to her success, leaving the audience deeply inspired by her story. Ms. Jyothika’s address encouraged students to pursue their passions and to approach challenges with dedication and determination.
Following the addresses, medals were distributed to the winners. In a symbolic gesture marking the conclusion of the meet, the CISCE Games and Sports National Athletic Meet was officially declared closed. The ceremony concluded with the national anthem, leaving a sense of pride and accomplishment among athletes, spectators, and organisers alike.
Words of Appreciation:Mrs. U. A. Sundari, Vice President ASISC, Secretary and Treasurer ASISC, AP and Telangana Region, and Principal of St. Joseph’s School, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, coaches, and organisers and acknowledged the hard work of sports coordinators, teachers, and volunteers whose dedication ensured the event’s success.
She highlighted that the event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also fostered connections among students from different regions, united by a shared passion for sports, mutual respect and friendship, reinforcing the values of sportsmanship. Her words underscored the importance of sports alongside academics and appreciated the Council’s efforts in fostering a holistic approach to the overall development of students.
An Unforgettable Experience:The CISCE Games and Sports National Athletic Meet 2024 will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for all who participated, attended, and contributed to its success. This meet exemplified the power of sports to inspire, challenge, and unite people from all walks of life, serving as a milestone in the journey of Indian athletics.