Smash and Drop – Badminton Tournament

The AICS Inter-School Shuttle Badminton Tournament 2025 was successfully organized on 31st October 2025 at John’s Sports and Cultural Academy, Karkala, hosted by Don Bosco English Medium School, Shirva, under the banner of the Association of ICSE and CBSE Schools (AICS).

The tournament provided a platform for young and talented players from various AICS member schools to showcase their skills, spirit, and sportsmanship through healthy competition.

The day began with an impressive inaugural ceremony, graced by esteemed dignitaries, participants, and staff from different schools.

The Chief Guest, Mrs. Eliza Vas, Principal of Christ School, Manipal, inaugurated the tournament by lighting the ceremonial lamp and declaring the event open. In her inspiring address, she highlighted the importance of sports in the holistic development of students, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and perseverance as the true essence of sportsmanship.

The Guest of Honour, Mr. John R. Dsilva, Director of John’s Sports & Cultural Academy, Karkala, congratulated Don Bosco English Medium School for hosting the tournament and appreciated the efforts taken to promote sports at the inter-school level.

The event was presided over by V. Rev. Dr. Leslie Clifford D’Souza, Correspondent of Don Bosco and St. Mary’s Institutions, Shirva, who in his presidential address, quoted the priceless words of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to dream and transform the dreams into action. He also encouraged students to actively participate in sports and maintain a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular pursuits.

The inauguration concluded with the official declaration of the tournament open. Inaugural ceremony was compered by Mrs. Divyashree. Mrs. Neetha Castelino welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Reshma Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks.

The tournament saw enthusiastic participation from several AICS member schools across the region. A total number of 19 schools and about 72 teams in 4 categories participated in the tournament. Matches were conducted in various categories for Boys and Girls, under Junior and Senior divisions, under the supervision of qualified referees and coordinators.

Throughout the day, the badminton courts at John’s Sports and Cultural Academy resonated with cheers, determination, and competitive spirit.

The tournament was not only a test of net skill but also a celebration of camaraderie and teamwork among young players.

The valedictory and closing ceremony were held in the evening.

The Chief Guest for the closing ceremony was Mr. S. M. Vikas, Chief Accountant, Qatar, who distributed the medals, trophies, and certificates to the winners and runners-up. In his address, he applauded the participants for their dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in all fields of life.

The winners of various categories are:

Under 14 – Boys:

Winners – Madhava Kripa School, Manipal

Runners – Ananda Thirtha Vidyalaya, Pajaka

Under 14 – Girls:

Winners – Madhava Kripa School, Manipal

Runners – Little Rock Indian School, Brahmavara

Under 17 – Boys:

Winners – Shri Ravishanker Vidya Mandir, Karkala

Runners – Madhava Kripa School, Manipal

Under 17 – Girls:

Winners – Little Rock Indian School, Brahmavara

Runners – Madhava Kripa School, Manipal

Mrs Rachel Fernandes compered the valedictory ceremony. Mrs Savitha Shettigar welcomed the gathering and Mrs Maria Anitha Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks.