Indian School Darsait held its 32nd Annual Athletic Meet on Thursday, 7 November 2024, at the Royal Oman Police Stadium, Wattayah. The event was a showcase of sportsmanship and community spirit, bringing together students, staff, parents, and dignitaries for a memorable day.
The presence of the Chief Guest, H.E. Ali bin Khalfan bin Saeed Al Hasani, Member of the Majlis A'Shura, lent significance to the occasion. Accompanying him were the Guests of Honour, Dr. Eng. Nasser bin Salim bin Mohamed Al Saadi, Director General of Muscat Municipality in Bausher, and Eng. Taher bin Shaikh bin Mohamed Al Dahab, Deputy Director General of Muscat Municipality in Bausher. Mr. Younis Sakhi Mahmood Al Balushi, Member of the Advisory Committee, Oman Cricket, attended as the Special Guest, emphasizing the support for youth sports and community engagement. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Mr. Vijaya Saravanan Sankaran, President, School Management Committee and Mr. Vinoba M.P., Senior Principal and Educational Advisor to the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman.
Members of the School Management Committee – Mr. Shalimar Moideen, Vice President and Head - Academic Subcommittee; Mr. Nishanth P. P., Convenor and Head - School Monitored Safe Transport Subcommittee; Mr. Ashraf V., Treasurer and Head - Finance and Planning Subcommittee; Mr. Unnikrishnan M. A., Head - Infrastructure Subcommittee; Mr. Shaji Kaniyarattil, Head - Sports Subcommittee; Mrs. Ruksana Sadik, Head - Co-curricular and Cultural Subcommittee, and Head - Inclusive Education Subcommittee; Mr. Shebeer Shamsuddin, Head - Purchase Subcommittee and Head - HSE Subcommittee and Crisis Management Subcommittee; and Mrs. Smriti Dhanoop, Head - Parents Relations Subcommittee and Head - Staff Welfare and Grievances Subcommittee – graced the occasion.
The event commenced with the Royal Anthem of Oman and the National Anthem of India, setting a solemn tone for the day’s proceedings. The Head Boy, Aadhil Shaham Arshad, extended a warm welcome in his opening address, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, members of the SMC and all present for their encouragement and support. The inaugural ceremony featured a spirited march past led by students of the four houses: Bapu, C.V. Raman, Tagore, and Vivekananda, demonstrating impeccable coordination and discipline. This was followed by the Torch Relay, the Oath of Sportsmanship, and the formal declaration of the meet open by the chief guest, igniting a sense of excitement among all present.
A key highlight was the felicitation ceremony, recognising participants of the CBSE National Sports Meet, acknowledging their dedication and achievements. Felicitations were also extended to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, and Special Guest in appreciation of their support for the school and the development of sports. The School Sports Day featured three impressive mass drills highlighting themes of togetherness and fitness. Students from Classes I and II performed a synchronized pompom drill themed "Unity," followed by Classes III to V with an energetic display of Lezim and aerobics. Classes VI to VIII concluded with an inspiring aerobics routine, emphasizing teamwork. The track events included sprints and relays in various categories. Prizes were awarded to celebrate the achievements of the winners.
Another exciting event was the Inter-School Invitation Relay, where the spirit of friendly competition was at its peak. The event also featured a special segment for parents, engaging them in friendly competitions that included sprints for both men and women, and tug of war.
The closing ceremony featured remarks from Mr. Shaji Kaniyarattil, Head-Sports Committee, School Management Committee, who praised the students for their sportsmanship and resilience. The Head Girl, Aysha Zalka Zacharia, delivered the vote of thanks.
The championship results were announced by the Chief Guest and the other dignitaries. C. V. Raman House claimed the prestigious Championship trophy for its stellar all-round performance, while Bapu House secured the Runner-Up trophy. Bapu House also won the trophy for the best display of marchpast, with C. V. Raman House as the runner-up in this event. The Annual Athletic Meet was declared close by the Head of Sports Subcommittee, Mr. Shaji Kaniyarattil.
The 32nd Annual Athletic Meet of Indian School Darsait ended on a high note, leaving participants and spectators inspired, and underscoring the school’s commitment to holistic education, sports, and youth development.