Sri Vijaya Puram, April 30: Dakshin Foundation and the Andaman Nicobar Environment Team (ANET), in partnership with local youth, successfully hosted the IslandActive Football Tournament on April 26, 2026. This event stands as a cornerstone of Dakshin’s ongoing Sports and Community Wellbeing Programme. Started in 2020, the initiative engages youth and children from coastal communities through sports to improve adolescent health and foster long-term community wellbeing. Over the past two years, the programme has conducted weekly football coaching sessions in Wandoor and Junglighat, maintaining the participation of approximately 200 dedicated young athletes across sites.
The tournament was a true community celebration, graced by the presence of esteemed Junglighat leaders, including Village Committee President Mr. T. Rushikeshwara Rao, Abhyudaya Committee President Mr. P. Nageshwara Rao, Village Committee member Mr. S. Malleshwara Rao and Boat Committee President Mr. K. Papa Rao. Their support, alongside a lively crowd of parents and friends, created an atmosphere charged with encouragement and local pride. Together, the spectators and organizers transformed the day into a powerful demonstration of how sports can unite a community around the shared values of health, teamwork, and resilience.
Competition was high across two categories—Under-14 and Girls—featuring seven teams — 4 from Junglighat, 2 from Wandoor, and 1 from Kaushal Sporting Club. In the Under-14 category, Kaushal Sporting Club claimed the championship title following a dynamic final against the Wandoor Mixed-gendered team. Wandoor’s squad served as an inspiring model of inclusivity, with three talented girls playing alongside their teammates with remarkable skill and helping the team secure a celebrated runner-up finish. The Girls’ category was equally captivating, showcasing an exceptional match between Junglighat and Wandoor. In a joyful conclusion, the Junglighat Girls secured a victory on their home ground.
In a concluding ceremony filled with pride, winning teams were honored with trophies and medals, while every athlete received a certificate of participation to recognize their effort and sportsmanship. A special moment of the afternoon was the felicitation of Nisha Kumari and Reshma Khatoon from Junglighat. Both athletes, who have honed their skills through Dakshin’s sports program, were awarded trophies for their outstanding achievement in representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at the Sub-Junior Girls’ National Football Championship 2025–26 and the U-13 ASMITA Zonal Football League 2025-26 conducted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Their success served as a powerful inspiration to the young players, proving that dedication on the local sands can lead to excellence on the national stage.