Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 27: The Inaugural Ceremony of the Tribal Indigenous Games – Tribal Sports Festival Car Nicobar 2026, organized under the Fit India Initiative, was successfully held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Modern Sports Complex, Big Lapathy, Car Nicobar. The event was organized by SAI STC Car Nicobar in association with the Tribal Council and the Nicobar Games & Sports Association (NGSA).
The ceremony commenced with the National Anthem following the arrival of the Chief Guest, Mr. Amit Kale (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District. The occasion was also graced by Mr. Reginald Watchful, Vice Chairman, Tribal Council.
Other dignitaries present included Mr. Joseph Theophilus, General Secretary, Tribal Council, and Mr. Paul David, 1st Headman of Perka Village, Mr. Vishwajit B Sutar (SAI Centre In-Charge), Mr. S Chidambara Rajan (Weightlifting Coach), Mr. Anand V (Asst. Coach Cycling), Mr. Isaac Fabian (Asst. Coach Football), Mrs. R Shunmugavalli (MTS), Ms. Lincy Chamberlain (SAI Warden), Ms. Inlonti (Administrative Staff), Mrs. Asha Carmi (MTS). whose presence added significance to the inaugural ceremony.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Mr. Joseph Theophilus, General Secretary, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar, who warmly welcomed all the guests and participants to the competition.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to SAI STC, Car Nicobar and Regional Centre Kolkata for organizing the Fit India Tribal Sports Festival Car Nicobar 2026. He also extended his appreciation to Mr. Vishwajit B. Sutar, Centre In-Charge, SAI STC Car Nicobar, Mr. S. Chidambara Rajan (Weightlifting Coach), and the entire STC Car Nicobar staff for their dedicated efforts in successfully conducting the event.
He further conveyed his thanks to the Deputy Commissioner Mr. Amit Kale (IAS), Nicobar District, for his continuous support and encouragement.
The dignitaries were warmly welcomed and felicitated with bouquets, mementos, and Fit India T-shirts, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and unity.
The event progressed with the Flag Hoisting ceremony of the Tribal Sports Festival Car Nicobar 2026, after which the Chief Guest formally declared the festival open. He also unveiled the trophies for the U-18 Inter-Village Football Tournament and the prestigious Lt. Esaw Isaac Football Rolling Trophy.
