Agra: GD Goenka School, Agra, celebrated its annual sports day “Goenkan Sparta” on December 7 with grandeur, modeled on a mini-Olympics. The event featured a variety of sports including badminton, skating, volleyball, chess, taekwondo, rifle shooting, and basketball, conducted at different venues across the school campus.

The program was graced by Mr. Kant Prasad Agrawal, a renowned entrepreneur and social worker from Agra, as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Rakesh Garg, Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Small Industries Corporation, attended as the Guest of Honour. The event commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and a colorful balloon release, filling the atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm.

The celebrations began with Ganesh Vandana, followed by spectacular student performances including pom-pom routines, hula-hoop displays, curtain dance, and welcome dance, captivating the audience. The torch ceremony and the impressive march past by all houses were the highlights, showcasing the students’ discipline, camaraderie, and team spirit.

The sports arena witnessed exciting competitions in basketball, badminton, rifle shooting, skating, taekwondo, chess, and more, where students actively participated and demonstrated their skills and talent. The day concluded with the distribution of awards, including Best House Trophy, Best Sportsman of the Year, Milkha Singh Award, P.T. Usha Award, and Best Athlete Award.

In his address, Chief Guest Mr. Kant Prasad Agrawal said, “Our nation needs young people who are strong both mentally and physically. While academics develop the mind, sports build the body. Events like this inspire balanced development among students. I wish that G.D. Goenka students achieve international success like Rahul Chahar and Deepak Chahar, bringing pride to the country at the Olympics.”

Guest of Honour Mr. Rakesh Garg praised the efforts of the students and school management and expressed delight at the grandeur of the event.

Prof. Vice-Chairman Mr. Sanjay Agrawal highlighted the school’s commitment to overall student development, noting that many students have achieved remarkable success at the national level in sports, dance, and rifle shooting. He mentioned Kuhu, a class 9 student and national-level badminton player, as an example of the school’s talented achievers.

Principal Mr. Puneet Vashisht emphasized the importance of mental health among students, expressing concern over rising stress and depression among school children. He noted, “Excessive protection leads students to expect victory in every situation. Sports teach life lessons—winning and losing, and the courage to rise again after failure.”

The event concluded on a high note with enthusiasm, achievements, and the true spirit of sports. Students, parents, teachers, Prof. Vice-Chairman Mr. Sanjay Agrawal, and Principal Mr. Puneet Vashisht were among the attendees.