The Indian School Salalah sports arena came alive with excitement, energy and enthusiasm on Thursday, 30th October 2025, as the school celebrated its Annual Athletic Meet 2025- 2026. The grand event held on the school ground from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. was a vibrant celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship that brought together students, staff, parents and dignitaries in a spirited atmosphere.

Formal Opening Ceremony

The programme began with a warm welcome by the commentary team, who set the tone for an evening filled with passion and pride. The athletes assembled on the ground under the leadership of the Head Boy, Master Nouman Ahamed and the Head Girl, Miss Fathima Mansoor, symbolizing unity and discipline. The school was honoured to welcome Mr. Faisal Ali Al Nadhi, General Manager Assistant of the General Directorate of Culture, Sports, and Youth, Governorate of Dhofar, as the Chief Guest for the occasion. He was received by Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, President of the School Management Committee, Mr. Kumar Gopala Iyer, Chairman of the Sports Subcommittee, and Mr. Deepak Patankar, Principal of Indian School Salalah, along with the other esteemed members of the management committee. The badge pinning ceremony by the Head Boy followed by a Guard of Honour presented by the Scouts and Guides added grandeur to the event.

Mr. Kumar Gopala Iyer, Chairman of the Sports Sub-Committee delivered the Welcome Address appreciating the students’ zeal and the faculty’s efforts in organizing the event.  He encouraged the players to compete with integrity, give their best and uphold the spirit of fair play. This was followed by the Chief Guest hoisting the school flag and officially declaring the Annual Athletic Meet open, heralding an evening filled with excitement, energy and spirited competition.

The Inter-House March Past was a visual spectacle, with the contingents of Amber, Coral, Emerald, and Sapphire Houses marching in perfect synchrony and saluting the dignitaries with pride. Coral House was adjudged the winner by a distinguished panel of judges comprising Captain Kirpal Singh, a seasoned Merchant Navy Captain and currently a Marine Pilot at Salalah Port, Mr. Brian Clarence Peter D’Souza, Marine Pilot at New Mangalore and Salalah Port and Mr. Roshan Andrade, General Manager of LBH Zawawi Shipping LLC and a driving force behind the promotion of women’s cricket in Oman.

Following the impressive Inter-House March Past was the Torch Bearing Ceremony. The torch of honour was carried by Miss Manal Aleemuddin Khaja, last year’s School Sports Champion. She then led the athletes in taking the Sports Oath, pledging to uphold honesty, dedication and the spirit of true sportsmanship.

Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, President of the School Management Committee, in his Presidential Address commended the students for their relentless efforts and encouraged them to continue balancing academics and sports with equal enthusiasm. This was followed by the introduction of the Chief Guest, Mr. Faisal Ali Al Nadhi by the Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar recognizing him as a senior leader in the General Directorate of Culture, Sports, and Youth, a top-tier athlete and an accomplished football player for Dhofar Club.

In his address to the gathering, Mr. Faisal Ali Al Nadh, the chief guest emphasized the value of discipline, fair play, and consistent effort in sports and life. He also highlighted the vital role of sports in promoting health and preventing various diseases. His inspiring words motivated students to strive for excellence with sincerity and integrity.

Proceeding further, Dr. Mohandas, Head of the Department of Physical Education, presented the Annual Sports Report 2025–2026, highlighting the school’s outstanding performances and remarkable achievements in various CBSE Oman cluster and national-level events.

The celebrations then flowed into vibrant cultural displays with Grade 2 students energizing the audience through a lively Zumba performance. Grade 4 demonstrated strength and precision in a Calisthenics Free-Hand Display while Grade 8 presented a power-packed Unity in Diversity Drill. Each performance highlighted rhythm, teamwork and coordination adding color and enthusiasm to the day’s events.

Track and field events

The excitement continued on the field with a series of track and field events, featuring 100-metre and 200-metre sprints across various age categories, along with thrilling relay races that captivated the spectators. The athletes showcased remarkable strength, speed, and determination, competing with enthusiasm and true sportsmanship. The primary section races for Classes 1 to 4 added extra cheer, as the youngest participants displayed immense confidence and energy, setting the tone for a day filled with spirited competition.

Award ceremony

Adding to the excitement, parents enthusiastically participated in the Parents’ Events, proving that sportsmanship and enthusiasm truly transcend age. The thrilling competitions culminated in the much-awaited Prize Distribution Ceremony, where the winners of various track and field events were honoured by the chief guest Mr. Faisal Ali Al Nadh, Dr.Syed Ashan Jamil (President of SMC), esteemed members of SMC, dignitaries accompanied by Principal Mr.Deepak Patankar, Vice Principal Mr.Mammikutty and Asst. Vice Principals Dr.VipinDas and Mrs.Anita Rose. The prestigious Individual Championship titles for the Under-12, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories were awarded to the most consistent and outstanding athletes honoring their dedication, perseverance and exemplary sportsmanship.

The Under-12 Individual Championship titles were secured by Zameen Azeez of Coral House in the Boys category and Jannah Fathima of Sapphire House in the Girls category.

In the Under-14 category, Adhidev Arun of Amber House claimed the Boys Champion title, setting a new school record in the 100m event while Simra Nazli of Emerald House emerged as the Girls Champion.

The Under-17 Individual Champions were Emmanuel Linsen of Coral House in the Boys category who set a new school record in 100M and Aliya Basheer of Sapphire House in the Girls category.

In the Under-19 category, Adhil Mubash of Coral House was crowned the Boys Champion while Kadeeja Shiba T, also of Coral House earned the Girls Champion title, setting a new school record in the 100m event with her remarkable performance.

Additionally, the Individual Champions for the junior classes were also recognized for their outstanding performances.

In Class 4, the Boys Champions were Amed Sami El Eslam Khalil Ali of Emerald House and Finley Rittu of Coral House and the Girls Champion was Silia Ahmed Mohammed of Coral House.

In Class 3, Aaqil Muksid of Sapphire House was named the Boys Champion while Felva Fathima P.T., also of Sapphire House, was the Girls Champion.

In Class 2, Ahmed Rami Albadawy Mohamed Hassan of Amber House emerged as the Boys Champion while Marwa Thirupathur of Amber House was named the Girls Champion.

In Class 1, Akram Yassir Samir Mohamed of Coral House won the Boys Championship and Aleema Zoya Zama of Coral House secured the Girls Championship.

The school’s national-level players, who proudly represented the U-14 Kho-Kho Teams (Girls and Boys), the U-14 Boys Football Team, and the U-17 Boys Chess Team including Master Arunachalam and Master Jeswin were also felicitated for their remarkable achievements. Master Advait Sharma was appreciated and felicitated for representing Oman in the U-14 cricket team at the prestigious CBSE National level.

The announcement of the House Championship results was met with great anticipation and excitement. In the Junior Category, Amber House secured the First Position with 104 points followed by Sapphire House in Second Place with 95 points. In the Senior Category, Coral House emerged as the Champion with 200 points while Sapphire and Emerald Houses shared the Second Position with 111 points each.  In the Primary level, Coral House was crowned as the champion with 71 points while Sapphire House secured the Second Position with 61 points. The results not only celebrated victory but also reflected the true spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and unity that each house displayed throughout the meet.

Felicitation

The evening also witnessed Mr.Ishwar Deshmukh (Faculty Physical Education) felicitated Mr. Parvinder Singh, Senior Faculty of the Physical Education Department in recognition of his remarkable dedication and contribution to the field of sports and physical education for more than three decades. Mr.Parvinder was honoured with a shawl and a bouquet by the school management accompanied by Principal.

Sponsors

The success of the Annual Athletic Meet 2025–26 was made possible through the generous support of the event sponsors. The school community expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dhofar Foods and Investment (SAOG), Oman Foodstuff Factory LLC, Dhofar Beverages and Food Stuff, Switz International, Global Exchange Salalah, Nahr Water Company and Global Gypsum’s Mr. Shiju Sasidharan for their valuable contributions. A special note of appreciation was also extended to Mr. Ishwar Deshmukh, Senior Faculty of the Department of Physical Education, for his commendable efforts in coordinating and arranging these sponsorships. Their generous support truly added flavour, energy and joy to this grand sporting event enhancing the spirit of celebration and togetherness.

Concluding ceremony

The celebrations concluded with the Vote of Thanks, delivered by Mr. Parvinder Singh, Senior Faculty of the Physical Education Department. As dusk settled, the flag-lowering ceremony marked the official conclusion of the Annual Athletic Meet 2025–26. The flag was respectfully handed over to the Principal, Mr. Deepak Patankar, symbolizing the closing of yet another successful chapter in the school’s sporting legacy. The event concluded with an energetic round of cheering led by the Sports Secretaries, filling the atmosphere with joy and pride.