Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar Phase-II, once again proved why it stands as a beacon of holistic education and student empowerment in Delhi. The school hosted the prestigious CBSE Central Zone Girls’ Football Tournament (U-14, U-17, U-19 categories), transforming the Sh. G.C. Lagan Memorial Sports Stadium is transformed into a lively arena of passion, sportsmanship, and resilience. Over nine days, the event brought together 1,000 young athletes from leading schools across Delhi, creating an inspiring platform that went beyond competition and embodied the spirit of NEP 2020 Sports education.

For Bal Bhavan, the event was not just about football; it celebrated girls’ empowerment through sports, reinforcing values like teamwork, discipline, and confidence. It was also a testimony to the school’s unwavering vision of nurturing well-rounded individuals.

A Grand Inauguration with Visionary Leaders

The tournament commenced with an opening ceremony graced by eminent dignitaries. IAS Veditha Reddy, Director Education and Sports, Govt. of NCT—Delhi, attended as the Chief Guest. Her presence was symbolic of the government’s commitment to promoting school football in Delhi and creating equal opportunities for young girls in sports.

Speaking at the event, she highlighted how sports catalyze confidence and leadership in young learners, particularly girls. She emphasized that the lessons learned on the football field—discipline, courage, and resilience—are the same principles that shape successful leaders of tomorrow.

The Guest of Honour, Shri Jagseer Singh, an Arjuna Awardee and Paralympic athlete, left the audience deeply moved with his life journey. He reminded the athletes that while trophies and medals are temporary, the courage to face challenges and the willpower to persevere define true champions. His words resonated across the stadium, inspiring every participant to give their best, regardless of the outcome.

A Gathering of Strong Pillars of Education

The ceremony also saw the presence of the distinguished leadership team of Bal Bhavan Public School and respected educationists, whose contributions have shaped the school into one of Delhi’s most admired institutions. Among them were:

• Shri Ramesh Kandpal Ji, Senior Consultant of Akhil Bharatiya Anuvrat Nyas
• Shri B.B. Gupta Ji, Director of the Institution
• Ms. Rachna Gupta, Former Principal of Bal Bhavan Swasthya Vihar Branch
• Ms. Rinni Srivastava, Management Committee Member
• Shri G.S. Grover Ji, Chairman of the School
• Ms. Neha Gupta, Principal of Bal Bhavan Junior Branch
• Mr. Vividh Gupta, Principal of Bal Bhavan Public School
• Ms. Kavita Mehrotra, School Manager

Their collective presence symbolized the school’s strong commitment to holistic growth. As Principal Mr. Vividh Gupta remarked, the essence of the tournament lay in “fair play, integrity, and the holistic growth of every learner.” His words reflected Bal Bhavan’s belief in fostering 21st-century skills, global citizenship, and strong values through academics and sports.

Ceremonial Splendor: March Past, Oath, and Unity

The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a grand March Past, filling the stadium with vibrant colors, synchronized steps, and the spirit of unity. Athletes representing various schools marched proudly, their enthusiasm embodying the motto of sports as a unifying force.

The oath-taking ceremony further reinforced values of integrity, respect, and resilience. Principal Mr. Vividh Gupta, addressing the athletes, spoke of the importance of fair play and the school’s role in cultivating achievers and responsible global citizens. His commitment to nurturing learners who embody both knowledge and values was evident in his words.

Inspirational Messages that Resonate

IAS Veditha Reddy urged young girls to view sports as a game and a foundation for self-belief and leadership. She pointed out that participation in tournaments like these reflects the vision of NEP 2020 Sports education, which advocates for equal opportunities, physical well-being, and character development in every student.

In his motivational address, Jagseer Singh shared glimpses of his journey as a Paralympic athlete. His life, marked by challenges and victories, became a lesson of courage and dedication. He encouraged the young footballers to embrace setbacks as stepping stones and to chase excellence with perseverance. His message, “Trophies may belong to one, but the courage to play belongs to all,” echoed through the stadium, leaving a profound impact.

A Special Gesture of Blessings

In a symbolic moment, the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour signed a commemorative mug, a gesture that will find a permanent place on the school’s Shelf of Memories. This token marked their presence and became a source of inspiration for future athletes, reminding them that their efforts are recognized and celebrated.

Kick-off and Competition Spirit

The tournament officially began with a ceremonial toss and handshake between Bal Bhavan Public School and Army Public School Dhaula Kuan. As the ball rolled onto the field, students, teachers, and supporters cheered. Over the next nine days, the stadium would witness matches filled with energy, strategy, and resilience.

For Bal Bhavan Public School, hosting the CBSE Football Tournament was about much more than the scoreboard. It was about teaching students the value of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship—qualities that extend far beyond the football field into every sphere of life.

Sports as a Pathway to Empowerment

The CBSE Central Zone Girls’ Football Tournament at Bal Bhavan, Mayur Vihar, powerfully reflected girls’ empowerment through sports. Each match reminded us that education is not confined to classrooms; it is equally about experiences that shape courage, character, and resilience.

By aligning the tournament with the vision of NEP 2020 Sports, the school highlighted its progressive approach to holistic learning. Girls taking to the football field in large numbers symbolized a cultural shift where sports are becoming a pathway for confidence, leadership, and equal opportunities in society.

A Legacy of Inspiration

As the nine-day tournament unfolds, Bal Bhavan Public School celebrates victories and the spirit of participation. The school firmly believes that while trophies belong to one, the lessons, friendships, and values learned belong to all.

This legacy of inspiration reflects the school’s mission to nurture confident, compassionate, and equipped learners with the skills required for the 21st century. Through events like these, Bal Bhavan Mayur Vihar Sports initiatives set benchmarks for how schools can empower young girls, promote inclusivity, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.

Conclusion

The CBSE Central Zone Girls’ Football Tournament by Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar, was more than a sports event; it was a landmark in reinforcing the values of resilience, empowerment, and unity. Guided by visionary leaders like IAS Veditha Reddy and inspired by icons like Jagseer Singh, the event left a lasting impression on every participant and spectator.