Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 27: Football continues to be one of the most popular sports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with children and youth displaying immense passion and talent for the game. The islands have a proud footballing legacy, with the Andaman and Nicobar football team winning the prestigious Subroto Cup four times in its history.
The electrifying atmosphere witnessed during the Inter-School Football Championship Final at Bathu Basti School Ground was a perfect reflection of this sporting spirit. Thousands of students, players, teachers and football enthusiasts gathered to witness the thrilling final, turning the event into a grand celebration of sports and youth participation.
The occasion also marked a major push for the Government of India’s “Gems of India 2026” Campaign, which has gained remarkable momentum across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Education Department actively promoted the campaign during the championship and encouraged students to participate in the national challenge by showcasing their talent and achievements through the WAVES OTT platform.
WAVES OTT, the digital platform of the Government of India operated by Prasar Bharati, is committed to promoting India’s rich cultural heritage, tourism, local stories, sports and emerging sporting personalities from every district of the country.
The event was attended by Ms. Neerja Gupta, Nodal Officer for the Gems of India Campaign for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh, WAVES OTT, along with Assistant Supervisor A.K. Gain, teachers, players and a large number of students. Students were encouraged to take part in the Gems of India 2026 Challenge and contribute stories that celebrate the unique sporting culture of the islands.
As part of this initiative, Doordarshan, Sri Vijaya Puram will soon launch a special Sports Challenge Programme to promote the Government of India’s Gems of India 2026 campaign. The programme will provide a dedicated platform to highlight the sporting talent, inspiring journeys and achievements of young athletes from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while encouraging greater participation in sports and digital storytelling through WAVES OTT.
The overwhelming response to the football championship once again demonstrated that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to exceptional sporting talent. Through initiatives like Gems of India 2026 and WAVES OTT, these local champions will receive a wider national platform to share their stories and inspire the next generation.
