Shillong Province Crowned Champions at All India Don Bosco U-17 Basketball Tournament
Formation, Salesian Youth Movement - SYM, Sports and Games,
In a resounding display of athleticism, unity, and youthful spirit, the Don Bosco Sports Academy of Shillong Province (INS) emerged victorious at the maiden All India Don Bosco Inter-Province U-17 Basketball Tournament held in Hyderabad on 10–11 October 2025. The event, organized by the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA) and DBYA – Sports Academy, was hosted by the Hyderabad Province (INH) at Don Bosco School of Excellence, Motinagar, and Don Bosco High School, Erragadda.
The Shillong team, represented by the SYM boys and comprising 12 talented players and two dedicated officials, departed from Shillong on 6 October and reached Hyderabad on the morning of the 10th. Their journey culminated in a flawless run through the tournament, defeating teams from Tiruchy, Chennai, and Hyderabad in the preliminary rounds. In the final, they overcame the formidable Panjim/Goa Province (INP) with a commanding score of 43–33.
Coach Renaldy Jyrwa praised the team’s performance, saying, “We felt completely at home here. The care shown by the organisers made us forget we were away from our families.” His sentiments echoed the broader appreciation for the host province’s hospitality, which included authentic Hyderabadi cuisine and a warm, fraternal atmosphere.
The Panjim Province team, guided by Fr. Ralin De Souza (SYM Delegate and Assistant Coach), Head Coach Royston Costa, and Sports Coordinator Br. James Marcus, delivered a remarkable performance throughout the tournament. Their campaign featured decisive victories over Mumbai (42–19), Telangana (67–48), and Chennai (37–29) before falling to Shillong in the final. The team included standout players from Don Bosco Sports Academy, Fatorda, and Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim, many of whom had previously represented Goa at the Junior Nationals.
The championship was more than a sporting contest—it was a celebration of Don Bosco’s educational vision. Rev. Fr. Lepcha Patrick, South Asia Delegate for Youth Ministry, DBYA, emphasized during the closing ceremony, “This event successfully achieved its goal of fostering solidarity and promoting basketball excellence within the Don Bosco community.”
The tournament opened with a dignified inaugural ceremony led by Rev. Fr. Santigau Thomas, Provincial of INH, alongside Fr. Lepcha Patrick and host Rector Rev. Fr. Gopu Peter. Highlights included a formal March Past, the lighting of the lamp, and a breathtaking cultural performance involving 70 students. The captains of each team took the Oath of Fair Play before the Chief Guest officially declared the tournament open.
The closing ceremony, presided over by Rev. Fr. G. Kishore, Vice Provincial of INH, featured another cultural showcase and the prize distribution. Fr. Lepcha Patrick’s closing remarks underscored the importance of sportsmanship, fraternity, and youth empowerment.
The Shillong Province team is expected to return home on 16 October, where a hero’s welcome awaits. Their triumph stands as a testament to the power of discipline, teamwork, and the Salesian commitment to nurturing young talent across South Asia.
