Car Nicobar, April 2: The Closing Ceremony of the Tribal Indigenous – Tribal Sports Festival Car Nicobar 2026, organized under the aegis of the Fit India Movement by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), STC Car Nicobar, in association with the Tribal Council and Nicobar Games & Sports Association (NGSA), was held with great enthusiasm and vibrant community participation.
The final day of the festival featured a series of thrilling sporting events, blending both modern and traditional indigenous games. The highlight of the day was the Late Esaw Isaac Memorial Rolling Trophy – U-18 Inter Village Football Tournament Final Match, which showcased remarkable talent, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit among young athletes.
This was followed by the Final Canoe Race, demonstrating the traditional maritime skills and deep-rooted cultural practices of the Nicobarese community. Adding to the excitement, traditional and recreational events such as the Final Pillow Fight (Men & Women) and Kirip (Nicobarese Wrestling – Individual & Team Events) were conducted, drawing enthusiastic participation and strong community engagement.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Rahul L. Nair (IPS), Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District, as the chief guest, and Shri Naveen Kumar, Assistant Commissioner, Car Nicobar, as the guest of honour. The event was further honoured by the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri Lionald Nicomed, Tribal Chief Chairman, Shri John Levi, Deputy Vice Chairman, Shri Reginald Watchful, President, NGSA, and Shri Joseph Theophilus, General Secretary, NGSA as special guests.
The dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the organizers in promoting fitness, preserving indigenous sports, and fostering unity among tribal communities. They encouraged the youth to actively participate in sports for a healthier, disciplined, and progressive lifestyle.
Following the conclusion of all final events, participating villages presented vibrant and colourful traditional dance performances, reflecting the unity, culture, and rich heritage of the Nicobarese community, adding a festive spirit to the occasion. Additionally, 500 Fit India T-shirts were distributed among participants, officials, dignitaries, and VIPs.
The event concluded with the Prize Distribution Ceremony, where winners and runners-up were felicitated with trophies and cash prizes.
The Centre In-Charge of SAI STC Car Nicobar delivered an encouraging message to the participants and the local community, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship—not only in playing games like football but also in embracing these values in everyday life. He highlighted that the Nicobar Islands, particularly the Nicobarese community, are widely known for their passion and talent in sports such as cycling, weightlifting, and football. SAI NSEC Kolkata Regional Director, Shri Sibanand Mishra, along with Deputy Director Shri Triratna Chauvan and Assistant Director Shri Karan Sadhwani, conveyed their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Tribal Council and the Nicobar Games & Sports Association (NGSA) for their continuous support and excellent teamwork, which contributed significantly to making the event a grand success. The successful of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the SAI STC, Car Nicobar staff, whose commitment and teamwork were truly inspiring.
The festival successfully celebrated the rich cultural heritage and sporting traditions of the Nicobar Islands while reinforcing the core objectives of the Fit India Movement.