GLORIOUS STRIDES – A CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT AND SKILL

The Annual Sports Day at Salwan Public School, Mayur Vihar, held on Sunday, 09 March 2025, was a grand celebration of energy, passion, and sportsmanship. With around 600 students from Classes III to VIII participating, the event truly embodied the theme- ‘Glorious Strides – A Celebration of Spirit and Skill’

The school was honoured to welcome Ms. Asha Agarwal, esteemed Chief Guest, a former long-distance runner and recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award. Other distinguished guests included Shri Sushil Dutt Salwan, Chairman, Salwan Education Trust, Shri Bharat Salhotra, Chairperson, Salwan Public School, Mayur Vihar. Also in attendance were Maj Gen Ajay Khandpur (Retd.), the school’s Director, Capt Richa Sharma Katyal, the school principal, alongside other respected Principals, SMC members. The event was also graced by the support of the parents, whose encouragement and involvement were instrumental to the occasion’s success. 

The welcome song ignited enthusiasm, setting the tone for the day. Following this, the March Past, led by the School Head Girl and the Sports Captain, showcased the discipline and unity of students from the four houses- Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore, and Vivekananda. The Border Security Force (BSF) Band performed a stirring display, adding grandeur to the ceremony. The Oath-Taking Ceremony, led by the Sports Captain, reaffirmed the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and teamwork.

The Principal’s welcome address was uplifting and motivational. She dedicated the event to late Chairman Emeritus, Shri Shiv Dutt Salwan Ji, whose vision and passion for sports, health, and fitness had always been an integral part of the school’s ethos. She shared that for Shri Salwan Ji, sports were not just an extracurricular activity, but a way of life – a passion that he instilled in the school community, inspiring generations of students to embrace the values of discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being.  She expressed her gratitude for everyone’s presence and acknowledged the significance of the day and the collective effort that went into making the event a success.

The school’s Head girl and Head boy took center stage as they read the Annual Report, providing the audience with a detailed overview of the school’s significant achievements. Their presentation was a heartfelt reflection on the school’s growth and accomplishments, serving to inspire the audiences.

The Chief Guest delivered an inspiring and motivational address that captivated the students, faculty, and guests alike. Drawing from her own experiences as a long-distance runner and an Arjuna Award recipient, she spoke about the pivotal role sports played in her personal journey of success. She encouraged students to pursue their passions with relentless determination and to never give up, even in the face of challenges.

The Torch Relay, a symbol of passion and perseverance, featured student athletes passing the flame in a relay before lighting the Sports Cauldron. The Chief Guest, accompanied by the Principal and the Director officially lit the cauldron, marking the commencement of the sports meet.

The day was filled with thrilling athletic events, including 60m and 80m sprints for Classes III to VIII and 200m races, showcasing speed and endurance. The Obstacle Races provided a fun challenge, with 50m and 60m Obstacle Races for younger students featuring hurdles, crawling, and agility tasks. The 200m Hurdle Race for Class VIII tested coordination and stamina, making it one of the most exciting events of the day. The Relay Races, where students from Classes III to VIII competed in the 4x100m relay, displayed impressive teamwork, coordination, and determination.

The agility and precision displayed by the students during the Gymnastics Display left everyone in awe. The Fusion of Aerobics and Yoga was a perfect blend of flexibility, strength, and mindfulness, demonstrating the ability to combine movement with grace. The Taekwondo Demonstration, featuring high-energy kicks and self-defence techniques, demonstrated students’ core strength and control.

Special races were organised for teachers, parents, and multitasking staff (MTS) that added an entertaining dimension to the day, creating a delightful atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. These races, which broke the usual format of student participation, were a refreshing break and showcased the playful side of the school community.

The cultural program, Dhali Dance, inspired by warrior traditions, captivated the audience with its display of endurance and spirit. The vibrant costumes, rhythmic beats, and powerful choreography combined to create a stunning visual experience.

All participants came together at The Grand Finale, creating a spectacular display on field. With perfect coordination and immense energy, it was a stunning culmination of the day’s events.

The winners were felicitated by the Chief Guest, along with the other dignitaries. The prizes and certificates were a heartfelt tribute to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance displayed by the students throughout the day.  The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Nikhil Nirala, Sports Captain, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, teachers and parents.

The Annual Sports Day 2025 was a great success, celebrating determination, perseverance, and teamwork. The school community came together to support and encourage young athletes, reinforcing the value of sports in education. The event was a testament to Salwan Public School’s commitment to holistic development, instilling confidence and resilience in every student.