Patna, Nov. 15: The best athletes from across the city congregated on the St Michael’s High School ground today to take part in Udaan and Shikar, the two inter-school competitions organised by The Telegraph.
Around 20 leading schools, including Notre Dame Academy, Loyola High School, Don Bosco Academy, St Xavier’s High School, St Michael’s High School, Mount Carmel High School, DAV BSEB, Tribhuvan, Litera Valley School and Open Minds took part.
The five-day mega event started with the athletics meet. St Michael’s High School hosted the preliminaries, play-offs and final of the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints, 4x100m relay race, long jump and triple jump. The participants were divided into two groups — Udaan (students of classes VI-VIII) and Shikhar (students of classes IX-XII).
Father Peter Arockiasamy, the principal St Michael’s High School, said: “I am happy to see the number of participants present. I am happy that students are getting opportunities for holistic growth. Field activities and academics are like the mind and soul.”
The atmosphere was electric all around. While students took last-minute tips from coaches, others warmed up and waited for the final call.
Pranati, a Class XII student Notre Dame Academy, said: “These activities should take place quarterly or annually. Sometimes students themselves don’t know what they are good at. These activities provide them a chance to know themselves better. ” She took part in high jump from the Shikar group.
Akancha, a student of St Michael’s High School, said: “The level of competition is quite high,” said Akancha.
The finals of the 100m sprint, 200m sprint, 400m sprint and 4x100m relay races would be held on Sunday at St Michael’s High School.
Teachers, too, were happy about opportunities for holistic growth of students. “It is quite important to involve students in field activities. Sports and competition make students disciplined and they understand the value of each second,” said B.K. Roy, a teacher at St Michael’s High School.
For both Udaan and Shikhar, prizes would be given for Best School, Best Student, Best Athlete, Best Quizzing Team and Best Debating Team. The third day has been kept for the sit-and-draw and debate competitions. Two-member teams would take part in the debate at DAV, BSEB.
