At Atmiya Vidya Mandir, continuous efforts are being made to contribute to the mission of making Swamishree’s school such a place where students not only excel academically but also stay ahead in the field of sports. The assistance and guidance being offered by the sports teachers were seen clearly when AVM’s under 14 Basketball team represented our school in the District Tournament held at RMG Maheshwari English High School, Surat on the 16th and 20th of September 2023.

The venue of the competition had a spectacular view with the arrival of 16 teams comprising of marvellous players from different schools. All the teams were accompanied by their experienced coaches who encouraged them during teeth-chattering moments of the competition. A few of the prominent teams included the players from Fountainhead School, Shri Vasishtha Vidyalaya, Mount Litera Zee School and Tapti Valley International School.

The Competition commenced with a visual rendition of the national anthem by students of the host school. AVM’s very first match was set against the team of Mount Litera Zee. Though the opponent team gave a tough fight, AVM players made a mark with a well-deserved victory and a score of 8 to 4. Thereafter, the next challenge was to remain equally enthusiastic in the second match against the team of RMG Maheshwari English High School. Once again, with God’s grace, AVM’s basketball coaches’ efforts paid off well as AVM team won in the second match as well with an astounding score of 12-0.

The day so far had brought joyous feelings among the players of AVM basketball team as they got qualified for the semi-finals. In this penultimate match of the tournament our team was set to play against the ace and seasoned players of Shri Vasishtha Vidyalaya. With God’s grace and motivation by the coaches, the AVM team once again succeeded in beating the opponent team with a huge margin of 9 for 0. AVM team had played brilliantly in each match thus far.

The sunrise of 20th September brought yet another challenge! The only and tremendous obstacle left now between AVM team and the championship was AMNS International School (earlier known as Essar International School). This final match between the two most eminent teams in the district, the AVM team and last year’s champion team from AMNS International School, hence raised the excitement in all present. The players of AMNS were tough on the ground but AVM players diligently scored the first basket. On the contrary, the next basket was made by AMNS’ tall captain. The same pattern of baskets repeated by both the teams once more. The score was equal 4- 4 and everyone was thinking of extra time but in the last minute there was a tap from the AMNS’s skipper. There was cheering and clapping for AMNS from the audience but AVM players were not frustrated by this and with an amazing display of coordination and skill the ball was shot and everyone had their eyes set on the ball. The point was scored and the referee blew the whistle. Thus, AVM players emerged as the champions though with a narrow margin of 1 point.

The excellent performance of the AVM team was noticed by the judges and three players of the team were also selected to play for state level tournament:

  • Devraj Bhai Patel
  • Sahaj Bhai Rohit
  • Tej Bhai Patel

As the sunlight of this eventful day turned dimmer, the faces of the AVM coaches and players brightened with this outstanding victory. The AVM team returned home with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude.

Written by: Sahaj Rohit (Grade 9)