Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 30: Manipal School successfully hosted the AICS senior secondary interschool basketball tournament, ‘MS Basketball Blitz', on October 23 at the Marena Sports Complex, Attavar. Organized under the auspices of the Association of ICSE and CBSE Schools (AICS), the event brought together talented basketball teams from schools across Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, highlighting athletic skill and fostering sportsmanship and community spirit.
The event commenced with a ceremonial guard of honour, with the school’s cabinet members warmly welcoming chief guest Swati Kulkarni, principal of Madhava Kripa School, Udupi. Other prominent attendees included principal Srilatha S Alva, vice principal Shilpa Moger Alva and PTA president Sachin KJ. The tournament began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, led by chief guest Swati Kulkarni, symbolizing the spirit of sportsmanship and unity. Srilatha Alva then delivered a heartfelt welcome address, setting an encouraging tone for the event.
Chief guest Swati addressed the gathering with an inspiring message, highlighting the importance of sports in shaping well-rounded individuals. She encouraged the young athletes to strive for excellence, reminding them that the values learned through sports extend beyond the court and into their daily lives. Her words resonated with the audience, setting a positive tone for the tournament ahead.
As the inaugural ceremony came to a close, vice principal Shilpa Moger expressed her appreciation for the tremendous effort that went into organizing the tournament. She acknowledged the entire organising team for their exceptional efforts in ensuring the smooth implementation of the event.
With the formalities concluded, the tournament officially began. Seven schools from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts participated, featuring a total of 13 teams that created an electric atmosphere captivating the audience. The energy was palpable, with teams displaying exceptional skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, embodying the spirit of the tournament. Each match was filled with intense competition, as players demonstrated their talent and determination, thrilling spectators and fostering a sense of community among the schools.
In the girls' category, Medha Pradeep from Manipal School was awarded the best player. While Manipal School claimed the championship title, Madhava Kripa School secured the runner-up position. In the boys' category, Aditya Shankarnarayna Prabhu was recognized as the best player, with Madhava Kripa School winning the tournament and Manipal School finishing as the runners-up.
The AICS basketball tournament concluded with a vibrant valedictory ceremony that celebrated the achievements of all participants and honoured the spirit of sportsmanship. Dr K Vishwas Saralaya, associate professor in the department of microbiology and sports Advisor, KMC Mangalore served as the chief guest. He was joined by Rajeev Mallinje, director of physical education at KMC Mangaluru, along with PTA vice president Sunita Furtado, principal Srilatha S Alva, and vice principal Shilpa Moger.
Dr K Vishwas Saralaya addressed the gathering with an inspiring speech. He emphasized the importance of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and resilience among students. His insights on balancing academics and athletics resonated with both athletes and coaches.
The tournament concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by the sports captain Samanya, who expressed profound gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the tournament.
The ‘MS Basketball Blitz’ was a tremendous success, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of young athletes in the community. Manipal School, Mangaluru, is proud to continue supporting this tradition of excellence and eagerly anticipates next year’s tournament, promoting camaraderie and athletic achievement among ICSE and CBSE schools in the region.