When Friendship Day collides with a soccer tournament for ex-students, it is bound to be special. More than winning the tournament, Just for KIX 2014 Inter-Alumni Soccer Tournament presented by Calcutta Boys’ School Old Boys Association (CBSOBA), in association with The Telegraph, on August 3 was about meeting old friends from different schools, reliving memories and enjoying a rainy Sunday.

The second year of the inter-alumni tournament saw ex-students of Don Bosco Park Circus, Birla High School for Boys, St. James’ School, Park English School, La Martiniere for Boys and La Martiniere for Girls, St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Frank Anthony Public School and Calcutta Boys’ School compete for goals at the Calcutta Parsee Ground.

After a tough yet friendly battle, ALSOC (St. Xavier’s Collegiate School) beat the old boys of St. James’ School 1-0. The Association of La Martiniere Alumni (ALMA) won the Losers Plate against Birla High School alumni, 4-1. The day ended with a sumptuous lunch.

“It is refreshing for all of us. Usually alumni events help us keep in touch with schoolmates but here we get to meet friends from other schools too. It all started with our alumni dinner where we had invited alumni members from other schools. Apart from soccer we also organise inter-alumni cricket matches and debates,” said Sandeep Sardar, the treasurer of CBSOBA.

CBSOBA plans to introduce two other events — inter-alumni sports carnival and antakshari — this year to strengthen the ex-factor even further, beyond campus boundaries.

 

Rhea Rao, the only girl in the inter-alumni soccer tournament, poses for the t2 camera. “Football and rain go hand in hand. Though it was difficult to play in the muddy field, it was definitely fun. I was the only girl playing so everyone cheered for me and I tried giving my best,” said the ALMA girl.

 

 

 

 

 

The St. James’ School alumni association was the runner-up. “Though we didn’t win, it was a great match and every player gave his best. It was a different Sunday and a memorable Friendship Day too,” said captain Shabir Ashraf (fourth from left).

Footballer Nirmal Chettri (fifth from left) hands over the winner’s trophy to ALSOC. “What can be better than keeping in touch with friends through soccer? Sports has the power to strengthen a bond. I have also played on this field, so seeing them play today brought back old memories. Though the weather is lovely, one needs to put in extra effort to play in the rain,” said Chettri.