Key Points

Over 600 students from Indian Air Force schools nationwide are gathering in Chandigarh for a major athletics championship. The event supports the national Khelo Bharat policy, focusing on sports for holistic development. Air Commodore Nipun Gupta unveiled the Phoenix mascot, symbolizing resilience and determination for the young athletes. The championship aims to build a strong sporting culture and instill values of discipline and teamwork.

Key Points: 600 Students Compete in All India Air Force Schools Athletics Championship

  • Event features 600+ students competing across 13 athletic and sporting disciplines
  • Championship aligns with national Khelo Bharat policy for holistic development
  • Aims to foster discipline and teamwork while nurturing young sporting talent
  • Hosted by Base Repair Depot Chandigarh for the third time this year
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Over 600 students to participate in All India Air Force Schools Athletics Championship in Chandigarh

Over 600 students from 7 IAF commands compete in the 14th All India Air Force Schools Athletics Championship in Chandigarh, promoting sports for nation building.

"Phoenix symbolises resilience and determination -- inspiring children to rise stronger from every challenge - Air Commodore Nipun Gupta"

Chandigarh, Sep 22

More than 600 students from Indian Air Force (IAF) schools across the country, representing seven commands, will be competing in 13 disciplines, including athletics and sporting disciplines, in the 14th edition of All India Air Force Schools Athletics and Sports Championship from September 24 to 26 at the Sports Complex in Sector 7 here.

The championship, which will ignite the spirit of athleticism and sportsmanship, is being conducted under the aegis of the IAF Educational and Cultural Society. The prestigious annual event aligning with the Khelo Bharat Niti -- 2025 underscores the theme “Sports for Nation Building -- Harnessing the Power of Sports for Nation's Holistic Development”.

The initiative envisions strengthening the sporting culture at the grassroots, nurturing young talent and transforming sports into a people's movement for health and wellness and excellence. The championship not only fosters healthy competition but also instils the values of discipline, teamwork, and an active lifestyle among students of the IAF schools community.

Air Commodore Nipun Gupta, Air Officer Commanding Base Repair Depot, Chandigarh, unveiled the Overall Champions Trophy and the Official Mascot, Phoenix.

Briefing the media about the championship, he highlighted that the Phoenix “symbolises resilience and determination -- inspiring children to rise stronger from every challenge, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship”. Nipun Gupta further emphasised that the championship serves as a cornerstone of the IAF's commitment to holistic student development, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline alongside academic excellence.

The opening ceremony will be held on September 24, while Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, will be present as the chief guest.

The closing ceremony will take place on September 26, presided over by Air Marshal S Sivakumar, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration. The Base Repair Depot, Chandigarh, will be hosting the championship for the third time.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see the focus on sports alongside academics. The Phoenix mascot is perfect - rising from challenges is exactly what sports teaches our youth. Hope they stream some events online!
A
Aditya G
While this is good, I wish similar opportunities were available for all government school students, not just Air Force schools. Sports infrastructure needs to be more inclusive across India.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Chandigarh, I'm impressed by the scale of this event. The Sector 7 sports complex is excellent. Wishing all participants the very best! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️
K
Karthik V
Bharat ki shaan! IAF schools always maintain high standards. These championships create future champions. Remember many Olympians started from such school-level competitions.
M
Michael C
The theme "Sports for Nation Building" is spot on. Developing sports culture from school level is crucial for any nation's growth. Hope other institutions follow IAF's lead.

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