Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 28: Lourdes Central School hosted “LCS SMASHFEST 2024” the Inter-School Shuttle Badminton Championship for ICSE and CBSE schools of Dakshina Kannada district at LCS Silver Jubilee Indoor Stadium and Father Muller’s Indoor Stadium, Mangaluru on Saturday, July 27. The categories comprised of under 14 boys and girls and under 17 boys and girls.

The inaugural ceremony of the tournament “LCS SMASHFEST 2024” began at 9 am. The chief guest for the programme was Fr Robert D’Souza, parish priest of St Anthony Church, Allipade, Bantwal, and the former principal of Lourdes Central School, Bejai, Mangaluru. Dr John Baptist Saldanha, manager of LCS and the president of the programme presided over the ceremony. Fr Johnson L Sequiera, principal of LCS, Belita Mascarenhas and Anita Thomas, vice principals of LCS and Ashok Pinto, vice president and secretary Cynthia Avita Pinto of Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad, were present on the dais.

The programme commenced by invoking the blessings of the Almighty through a prayer song led by the LCS choir students under the guidance of music teachers Ivan Mascarenhas and Roshan Cordeiro. The chief guest was introduced with high esteem with words of welcome by Fr Johnson L Sequiera. He heartily welcomed the dignitaries, players, team managers, referees and the audience.

The chief guest, together with the dignitaries on the dais inaugurated the LCS SMASHFEST 2024 tournament with a mesmerising, eye catching Badminton Logo which emitted a jubilant burst of fire cracker and glitter innovative piece of the inaugural fountain.

The chief guest motivated the young aspiring players to develop a sense of sportsmanship. He stressed the need to be stay focused, work hard and trust in yourself because the only way to do great work is to love what you do and believe in your own potential to achieve greatness.

The manager Dr John Baptist Saldanha welcomed the players with a cheerful smile and motivated them to give their best in the tournament. He also inspired the players to instil virtues of true sportsmanship, through a narration of a value based story highlighting the need for a healthy competition.
A total of 99 tea, 34 schools and 396 participants participated in the tournament. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Anitha Pinto, the P E instructor.

The convenor of the tournament, Veerendra Alva along with PE teachers led the esteemed guests to the badminton court. The chief guest, along with other dignitaries played an impressive game and declared the badminton tournament open.

Mohammed Riyaz, PTEC vice president and the managing committee of LCS. The two referees Gautham Shetty and the team of Torpedoes Club Surathkal Mangaluru and Chandrahas from Father Muller’s College, Mangaluru among others were present.

Valedictory programme

A triumphant conclusion paved the way for a promising commencement. The valedictory programme was graced by Fr Johnson L Sequiera, principal of LCS, Belita Mascarenhas and Anita Thomas, vice principals and the faculty members of LCS.

The principal congratulated the players for their hard work, dedication, passion, outstanding performance and achievements that each team has earned. The winners were honoured and felicitated along with the team managers. Also thanked all the schools for the active participation and support.

Here are the stars and champions of “LCS SMASHFEST 2024”

Under 14 Boys Category

Winners: LOURDES CENTRAL SCHOOL, BEJAI, MANGALURU
Runners: CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL, NEERMARGA, MANGALURU
Best Player - AMAN RAJ RAI- LOURDES CENTRAL SCHOOL, BEJAI, MANGALURU

Under 14 Girls Category

Winners: LOURDES CENTRAL SCHOOL, BEJAI, MANGALURU
Runners: MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL, MARYHILL, MANGALURU
Best Player - ARADHYA ACHARYA- LOURDES CENTRAL SCHOOL, BEJAI, MANGALURU

Under 17 Boys Category

Winners: LOURDES CENTRAL SCHOOL, MANGALURU
Runners: AITA VIDYALAYAM, BOLOOR, MANGALURU
Best Player- SATHWIK PRABHU- AITA VIDYALAYAM, BOLOOR, MANGALURU

Under 17 Girls Category

Winners: ST AGNES SCHOOL, BENDORE, MANGALURU
Runners: AITA VIDYALAYAM, BOLOOR, MANGALURU
Best Player - RENISHA V MATHAIS - ST AGNES SCHOOL, BENDORE, MANGALURU