In an exhilarating finale at the 3rd Andrew John Gosain Memorial Handball Inter-School Tournament-2024, DAV Senior Secondary School, located in Sector 8, clinched the coveted boys’ U-17 championship title. They showcased their prowess by triumphing with a score of 27-23 against the Government Model Senior Secondary School from Sector 16. This prestigious event was hosted by St. Xavier’s Senior Secondary School, Sector 44, becoming a significant highlight in the school’s sports calendar.
Outstanding performances came from the winning team, with Harmeet and Karan each contributing seven points to the scoreboard, demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the match. Abhishek also played a crucial role, scoring five points, while Kaamil secured four, and Harsh added two. Additional contributions came from Dev and Abhinandan, who chipped in with one point each, solidifying the team’s victory.
On the opposing side, Government Model Senior Secondary School fought valiantly but fell short despite strong individual performances. Himanshu led their charge with six points, while Vinay posted five points. Ritesh contributed four points, and Ayush along with Gaurav each added three points. Sammer helped the team with two points, but it was not enough to overcome the determined DAV team.
Meanwhile, in a parallel match, the host team, St. Xavier’s Chandigarh, showcased their prowess by defeating St. Xavier’s Panchkula with a score of 23-13. Key players included Manmeet, who dominated the scoreboard with seven points, while Sprash and Vaibhav each contributed five points. The synergy displayed by the team was evident, as they effectively worked together on the court. Mekul and Adity were pivotal for Panchkula, scoring four points each, but their efforts were overshadowed by the host team’s relentless performance.
In the girls’ final, the Sector 16 school team emerged victorious by defeating St. Xavier’s Chandigarh with a final score of 16-9. Anjali stood out as a key player, scoring four points, while Dipali and Muskaan each netted three points. Shruti, Vaishnavi, and Bhoomika also made significant contributions, each scoring two points, thereby clinching the championship title for their team.
Interview with Ramesh Bhatia, Coach of DAV Senior Secondary School Handball Team
Editor: Welcome, Ramesh, and congratulations on your team’s victory at the 3rd Andrew John Gosain Memorial Handball Inter-School Tournament! Can you tell us how it feels to win the championship title?
Ramesh Bhatia: Thank you! It feels absolutely amazing. The boys worked incredibly hard throughout the season, and it’s rewarding to see their dedication pay off. Winning the U-17 championship title is a significant achievement for our school and our team.
Editor: The final match against the Government Model Senior Secondary School was quite intense. What strategies did your team employ to secure the win?
Ramesh Bhatia: We focused on a solid defensive strategy while also incorporating fast-paced counterattacks. We knew the Government Model team had strong players, so we emphasized teamwork and maintaining communication on the court. Staying composed in high-pressure situations was key for us.
Editor: It must have been a thrilling experience for both the players and the supporters. How important are events like this tournament for the students?
Ramesh Bhatia: Events like the Andrew John Gosain Memorial Tournament are crucial for the students. They not only promote physical fitness and teamwork but also instill a sense of discipline and sportsmanship. Moreover, competing at this level gives our players valuable experience and helps build their confidence.
Editor: How has the support from the school and the community impacted the handball program?
Ramesh Bhatia: The support from DAV Senior Secondary School has been tremendous. The management encourages sports activities and provides resources for training. The enthusiasm from the community, including parents and local fans, boosts the morale of the students during competitions. It’s a collective effort that truly helps our athletes shine.
Editor: What’s next for the team now that you’ve captured the championship title?
Ramesh Bhatia: We’ll definitely celebrate this victory! However, we also have our eyes on future competitions. Our focus will be on refining our skills and preparing for the next season. We aim to maintain our momentum and perhaps defend our title in the upcoming tournaments.
Editor: That sounds like a solid plan. Thank you, Ramesh, for sharing your insights with us, and once again, congratulations on a well-deserved victory!
Ramesh Bhatia: Thank you! It was a pleasure talking to you.
E for both the players and the fans. Could you highlight any standout performances during the match that made a difference?
Ramesh Bhatia: Absolutely! Harmeet and Karan were phenomenal, each scoring seven points, and their ability to find openings in the defense was crucial. Abhishek also played a vital role, scoring five points and helping to facilitate plays. The teamwork among all the players, including contributions from Kaamil, Harsh, Dev, and Abhinandan, showcased our collective strength and determination.
Editor: It sounds like a true team effort. As a coach, how do you motivate your players, especially leading up to decisive matches like this one?
Ramesh Bhatia: My approach is to keep the environment positive and focused. We set achievable goals and work on building their confidence through practice and drills. I also emphasize the importance of believing in one another, which fosters team spirit. Encouragement and celebrating small wins throughout the season help maintain their motivation.
Editor: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the team in the upcoming season?
Ramesh Bhatia: Our main goal is to maintain our winning momentum and develop our younger players to ensure our future success. We aim to participate in more tournaments and continue improving our skills. I believe with dedication and hard work, we can achieve even greater things.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ramesh. Congratulations once again on the championship title, and we look forward to seeing your team in action next season!
Ramesh Bhatia: Thank you! I appreciate your support and recognition of our achievements.
