25/08/2026
DAV Sports 2026 – State-Level Taekwondo Tournament Inaugurated with Enthusiasm and Sportsmanship
SR DAV Public School, Pundag, Ranchi, proudly hosted the State-Level DAV Sports 2026 Taekwondo Tournament on 25 August 2026, bringing together more than 500 young Taekwondo participants from 41 DAV schools across Clusters 1 to 10, in a vibrant celebration of sporting excellence, discipline and determination.
The inauguration was graced by the Chief Guest, Captain Saikat Chaudhuri (Retd.), an accomplished ultramarathon runner, Founder of Ranchi Road Runners and a retired officer of the Indian Air Force. The distinguished gathering also included Shri M. K. Sinha, ARO, Jharkhand Zone-B; Shri S. K. Mishra, Cluster In-charge, DAV Sports Cluster-2, ARO, Jharkhand Zone-J and Principal, DAV Bariatu; Shri Bipin Rai, ARO, Jharkhand Zone-G and Principal, DAV Hehal; Mrs. Rishu Chaudhary, Principal, DAV Anand Swami; and Shri Kamlesh Kumar, Principal, DAV Khalari and Games Observer, SR DAV Public School, Pundag.
The ceremony commenced with the welcome song , lighting of the lamp ,hoisting of the Sports Flag, followed by the Oath-taking Ceremony, reaffirming the spirit of fair play, discipline and sportsmanship. The tournament was formally declared open with the release of balloons by the Chief Guest, symbolising the aspirations and dreams of the young sportspersons.
The Chief Guest, Captain Saikat Chaudhuri (Retd.), spoke about the deeper lessons of Taekwondo and life. He emphasised that in Taekwondo, a perfect strike requires the right timing, and similarly, life presents situations where success depends on recognising the right moment and responding with balance, courage and precision. His words encouraged the young athletes to carry the discipline and presence of mind learnt through sport into every aspect of life.
In his inspiring address, Shri S. K. Mishra drew upon the remarkable story of Australian athletes John Landy and Ron Clarke, whose unforgettable act of sportsmanship became immortalised in Melbourne. During a race in 1956, Landy stopped to help fellow runner Ron Clarke after Clarke fell, putting compassion and sportsmanship above victory. A sculpture commemorating this extraordinary gesture stands near the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a symbol of sportsmanship.
He beautifully connected this story with the values that DAV seeks to nurture in its students. He described DAV students as eagles with wings to fly, with one wing representing academics and sports and the other representing humanity, ethics and moral values only a balanced pair of wings can help a person soar. He also echoed the celebrated DAV philosophy associated with Hon’ble Shri Poonam Suri Ji, President, DAV Institutions: “Bhagwan manav banata hai, DAV manavta bharta hai.” The message highlighted that true education is not merely about achievement, but about becoming a compassionate, responsible and value-driven human being.
Dr. Tapas Ghosh, Principal, SR DAV Public School, Pundag, warmly welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. In his address, he reminded the young athletes that everyone is already a winner, because qualifying for and reaching the state-level championship itself represents dedication and achievement. He urged the participants to compete with true sportsmanship, give their best and strive for excellence.
The grand participation of 41 schools, representing Clusters 1 to 10, with more than 500 participants, made the championship a remarkable platform for young athletes to showcase their talent, determination and fighting spirit.
The inauguration set the tone for a tournament where skill meets discipline, competition meets camaraderie, and victory goes hand in hand with values.
May every young Taekwondo athlete step onto the mat with confidence, fight with courage, compete with integrity and emerge stronger,because in sport, as in life, the greatest victory is becoming the best version of oneself.