Interschool Volleyball & Basketball Competition 2014
Atmiya Vidya Mandir have started the 2014-15 campaign in sports with a bang as they won the first interschool competition of the year. School’s U14 team was the runaway winner at the interschool volleyball competition at Shri Ramkrishna Harikrishna Academy, Kamrej.
Such was the dominant display of the boys from AVM that they reached final without even breaking a sweat as the opposition teams could not even reach the double figure in points. The final was against the home team of Ramkrishna Academy. They gave a stern test in the first set as AVM boys barely won the set with the score of 26-24. However they picked up the pace in the second set and won the set very convincingly with the score of 25-10.
Playing away from the home ground is always challenging, especially to the young students, but the school volleyball team showed mental toughness and top level skills to clinch the first title of the year. Dev T Patel from class 9A was the star performer for the team as his overall contribution was very significant and it made the task easier.
The Basketball U-16 team also showed some great resilience and promise as they got beaten narrowly with a single point margin. With key players missing due to studies in higher classes it was always going to be an uphill task, but the younger boys showed what they can do in coming years as the team bowed out of the competition.
Congratulations to both the coaches Ritesh sir (Volleyball) and Bankim sir (Basketball) for good showing and a good beginning of the year. We also congratulate the participant students who made the school proud.
Inter House Volleyball Competition 2013-14
The last Inter House sports competition brought tremendous joy and excitement to the students as the sports calendar of the year 2013-14 ended with the Inter House Volleyball Competition. It was held in the week ending on the 10th of February, 2014, on the school volley ball courts and went on for 4 days. During these 4 days, many extra-ordinary performances were seen from the students. The artistic decoration made the atmosphere even more joyous.
Students were divided into three groups:
- Sub-Junior group including the students of grades 5 and 6
- Junior group including the students of grades 7 and 8 and
- Senior group including the students of grades 9 and 10.
On the very first day, the competition began with poojan of Thakorji and then with the first two matches in the Sub-Junior group. The first match was played between Satyam House and Suhradam House in which Suhradam House won the game by 25-11 and the second match was played between Shivam house and Sundaram House in which Sundaram house won by 25-16. On the same day, one match was played in the Junior group, between Shivam House and Sundaram House in which Sundaram House won by a set score 2-1. Besides that, in the Senior group the first match was played between Satyam House and Suhradam House in which Satyam House won by set score 2-1. This match ended the day.
On the second day of the competition, students came back with recharged energy and enthusiasm. The first match was the 3rd place match in the Sub-Junior group between Shivam House and Satyam House, in which Shivam House secured the 3rd place by winning the game with a set score 2-0 in a best of three set match. In the Junior group, the match was played between Satyam House and Suhradam House, in which Suhradam House won by set score 2-0. Next match was played between Sundaram House and Shivam House in which Sundaram House won by set score 2-0.
The third day of the competition was pretty exciting as the final match was held in the Sub-Junior group between Sundaram House and Suhradam House, in which both the teams played equally good but it was the Suhradam House that managed to secure the 1st place in the Sub-Junior group by set score 2-1. The next match thereafter was for the 3rd place in the Junior group. This was played between Satyam House and Shivam House in which Satyam House won with a set score 2-0. After this match, the third place match in Senior group was played between Shivam House and Suhradam House in which Shivam House took away the 3rd place by winning the match with set score 2-1.
The last day of the competition saw excitement at its zenith as the two finals were played – one from Junior group and second from Senior group. The occasion was made even more special as the school principal, respected Vijay Sir and vice principal, respected Ashish Sir graced the volleyball court. Fitting to the occasion, the students gave an incredible performance as the excitement level increased by many multi folds. The day began with the first final match from Junior group between Suhradam House and Sundaram House. Both the teams performed brilliantly, as from the Sundaram House side, Mantavyabhai and Jaybhai played exceptionally well and from the Suhradam House side, Rajveerbhai and Rahulbhai kept the spirits high. But it was the efficient smashing from the Suhradam players which led to secure the first place in their group by set score 2-0. But it was not the end of the day because still the second final was left – between Satyam House and Sundaram House from the Senior category.
Both the teams looked very confident and equally matched. This was because both the teams had one marvellous smasher each, Parthbhai from Satyam House and Nirmalbhai from Sundaram House. Both these players had recently represented the school in the CBSE Inter School Competition and this time around they were to face each other in the last match of this competition. The match began with both teams countering their opponents very well. This tightly contested match reached the deciding set as both the teams won 1 set a piece. Initially, Satyam House fell behind but their rejuvenated and inspiring serving took them to equal points. They kept their nerves in the final few points of the game and narrowly beat Sundaram House.
The overall house winner position was a bit tricky as no particular house team dominated all the three categories. Following is the overall points table for the competition:
- Satyam House: 16 points
- Shivam House: 12 points
- Sundaram house: 24 points
- Suhradam house: 20 points
As can be seen above, the Sundaram House team captains led their teams to secure the first position in the competition. In the end, Tarun Sir concluded the competition by thanking the sports department for managing and organising such a memorable competition and the students for their louder than words enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
By: Rahul and Nimit (Grade 8)
Inter House Basketball Competition 2013-14
Over the 10 years since its inception, Atmiya Vidya Mandir has increasingly put in efforts, learnt and got better in many of its celebrations. This time it was the turn of Inter-House Basketball competition. One of the true global sports, Basketball has many admirers and enthusiasts in the school. Popularity of the sport in the school should not come as a surprise due to the presence of healthy number of the students from US and Canada. The competition begun on 4th January, and unfortunately ended on 7th January 2014. But the 4 day event was full of enthusiasm and excitement along with some outstanding performances by the students.
The students were grouped in 3 categories for the competition:
- Sub Junior – Class 5 & 6
- Junior – Class 7 & 8
- Senior – Class 9 to 11
The competition involved two knockout matches for each house. The winners of the first knockout match in each category shook hands in finals, whereas the losers met for a 3rd place match.
After the first set of knockout matches, this is how the teams stacked up against each other for the finals and 3rd place match in respective categories.
Sub Junior category
- Final: Sundaram vs Shivam
- 3rd Place match: Satyam vs Suhradam
- Summary: Satyam and Suhradam houses played each other for a 3rd place match.
Satyam House won this closely fought match with 6-4. In the finals,
Shivam House had a comprehensive win with a score of 24 – 8 against
Sundaram House with Shreemadbhai and Parambhai being the top performers.
Junior category
- Final: Shivam vs Sundaram
- 3rd place match: Satyam vs Suhradam
- Summary: On the back of some good performances from Rajveerbhai and Rahulbhai,
Suhradam House won the 3rd place match against Satyam House with a very
convincing score 38 – 10. After tasting a defeat against the same
opponent in the junior category, boys from the Sundaram House were
determined to turn the table. Nimitbhai from Sundaram House showed his
class and skills as his team demolished Shivam House with a staggering
score line of 38 – 5.
Senior category
- Final: Shivam vs Suhradam
- 3rd Place match: Satyam vs Sundaram
- Summary: Satyam House and Sundaram House met for the 3rd place match in the
category. Vishwajeetbhai and Harshilbhai led Sundaram House to a very
narrow win with the score of 29 – 26. In the very last match of the
competition Shivam House played against the Suhradam House. In the early
exchanges of the play there was nothing to choose between the team. But
the Suhradam House team stepped up their game in the second half.
Hardipbhai in particular was very sharp and scored quick points for his
team. Harshbhai also contributed with many rebounds as Suhradam House
sealed the match with 29 – 18 points.
After 4 days full of excitement, enthusiasm and matches, this is how the 4 houses stood on the points table:
Position House Sub Junior Junior Senior Total Points
1 Shivam 10 8 8 26
2 Sundaram 8 10 6 24
3 Suhradam 4 6 10 20
4 Satyam 6 4 4 14
In conclusion, on behalf of all the students, I would like to thank all the sports teachers for organizing such a fantastic Basketball competition. A special mention of the School Basketball Coach, respected Bankim Sir for his tireless contributions. His hard work throughout the year helped all the students to improve their skills which only improved the overall performance and level of the Inter House Basketball Competition.
Smit K Patel (Class 8)
Sporting Carnival at AVM – the 10th Annual Atmiya Athletic Meet
After lots of anticipation, preparations and planning, the day came when the sporting carnival of the year began on the 25th of December 2013. The mega event kicked off with a grand opening ceremony. Students and teachers alike were preparing for this showpiece event separately from the regular preparations.
The opening ceremony
The performances in opening ceremony included gymnastic activities, dumbbell drills, ‘Suryanamaskar’ and ‘aasans’. All of these activities underlined the importance of such physical work and the enthusiasm amongst students for these traditional methods to keep themselves fit and healthy. To add glamour and vibrancy to the ceremony, special dancing and singing performances were kept. The choir group of the students of class 6, 7 and 8 sung a melodious song ‘Ashaein’ under the able guidance of Himanshu Sir and Jaimin Sir. The song encouraged students to aspire and do everything they can to achieve those aspirations. A scintillating dance performance was presented by the dancing group on a very popular song ‘Bhaag Milkha bhaag’, which encapsulated the spirit of the event. The dance was very creatively choreographed by Suhradam Sir.
For this very important event special guests were invited. P. Fuvaji and P. Suhrad Swamiji along with P. Ambrish Swamiji graced the event with their presence. Not only that, P. Fuvaji and P. Suhrad Swamiji addressed the students and encouraged students to perform up to their potential. They also applauded the efforts put in by the sports teachers. After the speeches from the guests, it was the turn of the Sports Captain Nirmalbhai to conduct the oath taking ceremony. The ceremony concluded with the principal Respected Vijay Sir officially declaring the 10th Annual Atmiya Athletic Meet open.
The entire event was divided into 6 sessions ending on 28th December with a prize distribution ceremony. Being the 10th Annual Athletic meet, the administration introduced new, sparkling and prestigious Runners Up and Winners trophies. The site of new trophies energized and motivated the students to do even more and make their house the first holders of these beautifully made trophies.
Track and Field events
From December 26th, all the events began as every single student from class 1 to 11 participated in one or the other event. In itself it was the biggest attraction as well as a matter of recognition for the sports team as all the students were presented with an opportunity to compete in front of the whole school. The motto of the event, ‘Winning is not everything but participation and the will to win is’, truly reflected in the attitude and enthusiasm of the students and teachers. All the students did their best to win some points and medals for their houses. Those who could not, certainly tried to encourage and cheer the participants from their houses. But the most satisfying thing was that all the students appreciated good performances from the students from all houses as they realized that at the end of it is a win for the school.
We aim above the mark to hit the mark
Considering this famous quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, the sports teachers printed and posted the current school and CBSE records for individual events on the respective track and field arena. The idea behind this was to encourage students to aim higher and maximize their potential. Not only were students encouraged to win the medals but were also pushed to break the current records to improve their individual performances. So many broken records in the 10th Annual Atmiya Athletic Meet is a testimony to the drive of the students to achieve and perform to the best of their abilities.
Contribution from Volunteers and Academic teachers
Such a massive event couldn’t have been possible without the dedicated contributions from the student volunteers, academic teachers and admin staff. Kalpesh Sir put together a very devoted team of 25-30 student volunteers who were the engines of the routine tasks such as managing the sports equipment for respective events and becoming the bridge between the officials, scorers and participants. The academic teachers and admin staff were also very keen to contribute immensely in the event. A special credit goes also to Kshitij Sir and Pushpak Sir who were the anchors for the whole event. They did not let such a hectic schedule of a long event come in the way and kept encouraging the students through the microphone. The kitchen department also played a very significant role, as throughout the days of this event, the refreshments and snacks were provided to the students on the field. The sincerity, availability and willingness to contribute from all the members of Atmiya family throughout the meet made the event even bigger success.
The last hurrah
After the vigour of 4 sessions, it boiled down to the final session in which 10 final events were kept from the 5 student categories. The planning was done so carefully by the sports teachers so that in the ultimate session of the event, students, teachers and guests could witness the most exciting finals. 100 metres finals and 4×100 metres relays were a matter of great anticipation and excitement in this last session. A special relay event was organised for the class 12 students as they were busy in their studies for the upcoming Board exams. The performances from the young athletes in this final session, captured the imagination of the whole school as they stepped up their performances. Sheer determination and uplifted performances not only entertained everybody but they also broke some more records in the process.
And the winner is…..
After a very long fitness program, 2 week preparation camp for the students, planning and preparing the athletic arena from the teachers, competitive and enthusiastic participation and some record breaking performances later, we reached a moment where the recognition for all these efforts was due.
A special set up was prepared in the centre of the field for the prize distribution ceremony. The ceremony started as the medals and certificates to the winners were awarded by various teachers and guests. In such a massive event, few individuals always outshine the rest with their determination, persistent efforts and supreme performances. And it is only fair to recognize such individuals. To encourage such outliers, the Best Athlete trophy in each of the student category was presented to such students. The noise reached a new level as all of these students were equally appreciated by the students of all the houses.
Along with the winners, the efforts and sincerity of volunteers was also recognized. Special appreciation certificates were handed to these volunteers from respected Haresh Sir. Upon the request of Haresh Sir, a special photo was taken to commemorate the contribution of these young students who upheld a very core value of the school ‘seva’ (service).
All of these only added to the eagerness for the announcement of the winner house. Throughout the event it was very difficult to predict which house would win as athletes from all the houses had shown their worth in different categories as that kept their house in hunt to win the prestigious trophy. It was one of the closest fight in the recent years as only 6 points separated the houses occupying 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions. But reigning athletic meet champions Sundaram House won the competition second year in a row and Suhradam House finished second. Respected Govind Sir (Principal, Sarvanaman Vidya Mandir and Haresh Sir (Administrator, Atmiya Vidya Mandir) presented the trophies to the winner as the mega event came to an end. Vijay Sir then officially declared the 10th Annual Atmiya Athletic Meet closed as fireworks took the centre stage.
Although the event has ended but the echo and memories of this event will remain with everyone involved for a very long time. The administration of the school heartily congratulates all the students and the staff members for organizing such a fantastic and exhilarating event which can only enhance the experience at this wonderful institution.
Here are the highlights of the results:
Best Athletes
Name House Category Points Medals won
Hari Martin Satyam Group A 30 3 Golds
Mumukshu D Patel Satyam Group B 24 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze
Shrimed M Sangani Suhradam Group B 24 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze
Shubh J Patel Shivam Group C 30 3 Golds
Darshan J Patel Suhradam Group D 30 3 Golds
Mayank M Watwani Sundaram Group E 28 2 Golds and 1 Silver
(Note: The points from relay races are not considered for the adjudication of best athlete.)
House Gold Silver Bronze House Points
Winners Sundaram 14 11 16 324
Runners Up Suhradam 12 9 9 266
Written by: The AVM Sports Team
Preparations for the biggest sports carnival of the year – the 10th Atmiya Annual Athletic Meet
“There is no glory in practice, but without practice, there is no glory”. Keeping this quote in mind the sports teachers organised the sports calendar for 2013-14. Throughout the year, the students of AVM participate in various inter-house sports competitions, but the Annual Athletic Meet is by far the biggest sporting event of the year.
At the beginning of the year, a decision was taken to pay more attention to the fitness of the students. In line with that, after the summer vacation, a 15 day fitness camp was organised by the sports teachers so that the students can get back into a proper physical shape. To maintain fitness throughout the year, more time was allotted to the running, jogging, exercise drills, etc. It meant a bit lesser playing time for the students. But soon, the improved fitness helped students to improve their skills in their respective sports and helped them become better at it. Morning jogging and yoga was included in the physical fitness program as a part of the winter session in the school. Getting up early in a cold winter morning is never an easy task, but the students and sports teachers overcame the hurdle and followed the program with sincerity. All these efforts led to a better fitness of the students and hence expectation of a better performance in the athletic events.
The preparation of this mega event started as soon as the inter-house football competition ended on 7th December 2013. The Sports department at AVM planned the event in such a way that all students can participate in their choicest events. To increase the medal winning opportunities for students, the participation of each student was limited to 3 events. This time around, the students were divided into different age categories and standards. Five groups were made so that the students could compete fairly. Here are the groups:
- Group A: Class 1, 2
- Group B: Class 3, 4
- Group C: Under 13
- Group D: Under 15
- Group E: Under 17
Each group consisted various track and field events to suit the capabilities of the students. After the success of introducing the Javelin Throw event last year, the sports team added Triple Jump event for groups D and E.
To make sure the students understood the rules of various events and developed specific skills, a 2 week athletics camp was organised leading up to the athletic meet. They were given opportunities to practice their events regularly with inputs from the coaches. Emphasis was put on maximizing the potential and aiming for better performances. To motivate the students further, existing school records and CBSE zonal records were displayed so that students push themselves harder to achieve more.
For teachers, the challenge was not only to prepare the athletes for this marquee event, but also to prepare a very high class athletic track and field arena so that the students can enjoy the event to the fullest. Sports teachers took extra time out from their routine to set up a wonderful arena. A 200 Meters track was prepared for all the track events. Around the track, fields for Shot Put, Javelin Throw, Discus Throw, Long and Triple Jump, High Jump and Ball Throw were marked and prepared. A special walk way was created around the track and field arena so that students could move freely and enjoy their choicest events.
After some very meticulous planning and super preparation, the arena was set for the opening ceremony of the 10th Atmiya Annual Athletic Meet on 25th December.
More to follow.
Written by: Sports Team
Inter-House Football Competition 2013-14
If you walk on the streets of bigger cities in India, you will often find youths wearing the T-shirts of Messi, Ronaldo and Beckham. In a café, football often dominates the conversation. These are signs of a changing India. Still a predominantly cricket crazy country, football is surely finding its feet in our country.
AVM is not different from most of the urban centers of India as so many students enjoy playing and watching football. That made the recently concluded Inter-House Football Competition a perfect stage for students to showcase their skills, talent and enthusiasm towards the game. The eagerly awaited showpiece tournament preceded by a 15 day – training camp for all the houses to sharpen their skills and develop team combinations. Dhiren Sir, Tejas Sir and the rest of the Sports team worked very hard with all the houses to make sure they were all ready for the competition.
The students were grouped in 3 categories for the competition:
- Sub-Junior (Class 4, 5 and 6)
- Junior (Class 7and 8)
- Senior (Class 9, 10 and 11)
The week long competition had two knockout matches for each of the houses. The winners of the first knockout match in each category would meet in the finals, whereas the losers would meet for a 3rd place match.
After the first round of matches in Sub-Junior category, Shivam house and Suhradam house met in the finals on Friday, December 6, 2013. After a very tough fight, the match went on the penalties where the boys from Suhradam house kept their nerves and won the competition. Satyam House finished third in the category.
Junior category was equally entertaining as Shivam house and Suhradam house qualified for the finals with the dominant performances. In a closely contested final on Saturday, December 7, 2013; Shivam house edged Suhradam House and won the competition. Sundaram House finished third in the category.
Senior category captured the imagination of the audiences with their skills, team combination play and at times with goals galore. In the first round, against a very committed Shivam house team Satyam house scraped through a victory and reached to the finals. In the other knock out match, Suhradam house upset the favourites Sundaram House with some very good organizational and counter attacking play. In the showpiece final on Saturday, December 7, 2013 Satyam house boys finally came to the party and swept Suhradam house and won the finals comprehensively. Sundaram house won the third place very comfortably against Shivam house.
But overall, it was Suhradam house who won the competition as they made it to the finals of each of the categories. Here are the final results:
House Points Place
Suhradam 26 First
Shivam 22 Second
Satyam 20 Third
Sundaram 16 Fourth
In conclusion, Inter-House Football Competition truly lived up to its hype and expectations as the students were treated with thrills, entertainment and enthusiasm. The school management congratulates all the sports teachers and students for organizing such a magnificent event.
CBSE WEST ZONE HANDBALL TOURNAMENT 2013-14
This major CBSE Handball Tournament was held between 27-29 October 2013 by Singhania Global Academy, Sikar (Rajasthan). 32 schools from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Diu/Dadra & Nagar Haveli participated in the tournament.
The Atmiya Vidya Mandir team played and lost against Lucky Bal Niketan in the Quarter Final.
Akshay Golwala scored a total of 5 goals, Love Patel scored 3 goals, Manan Ladani 2 goals and Harshil Soni and Pradeep Chaudhary 1 goals each during the tournament.
AVM Sports Team
CBSE CLUSTER 9 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2013-14
The CBSE Cluster 9 – Volleyball Championship was held between 13-15 October 2013 by Shri Ramkrishna Harikrishna Academy, Kamrej (Dist. Surat) in which 41 schools from the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Rajasthan participated in the tournament.
The Atmiya Vidya Mandir team reached the Quarter Final in which it gave a commendable fight (25/23, 25/23, 26/24) to the tournament’s runners up team: Montfort School Nagpur.
The following students showed remarkable performance in the tournament:
1. Romil T. Patel (Class 12)
2. Nirmal A. Patel (Class 10)
3. Rohan Shingala (Class 10)
3. Rohan Shingala (Class 10)
AVM Sports Team
Inter House Skating Competition 2013-14
Stronger foundations are the reason for the stability and strength of a tall building. Likewise in sports, stronger domestic competitions often lead to a strong showing outside of the school.
Skating has always been one of the favorite sports at AVM. Skating can often give you the thrill of speed but also make you realize the importance of balance in our lives. Therefore it was not a surprise that students were very excited to participate in the inter house skating competition. As per the school policy of ‘safety first’, all the students were ready with their protective gears for this very exciting competition.
This year, for the very first time the Beginners group was included through which as young as the students of class 3 participated in the competition. There were also separate groups for Sub Juniors, Juniors and Seniors. Students participated for long as well as short distance races.
Not for the first time this year, the students of Satyam house showed their superiority on the field and swept the competition with a record margin with Sundaram house a distant second.
Here are the results of the competition.
The inter house competition showcased the talent of students along with their will to maintain very high standards. Such a level of skill and commitment, was later rewarded with some excellent performances at the district level. AVM swept the U-14 competition at the district level and three of them were selected to represent the district at the state level later this year.
Below are the students who have made the school proud.
Durgesh Gami (9B) – First
Vishrut Patel (9A) – Second
Hrushi Patel (9A) – Third
On behalf of AVM family we would like to congratulate the three of them on this achievement.