Spardha 2026 - A Grand Inauguration

When Sporting Excellence Meets the Spirit of World Unity

24th Oct 2026: The World Unity Convention Centre (WUCC) at CMS Kanpur Road, Lucknow transformed into a vibrant arena as CMS RDSO Campus inaugurated Spardha 2026 – the 5th International Sports Olympiad. The four-day sporting extravaganza, held from 24th to 27th October, brought together over 62 participating teams and 773 young athletes, including 117 global participants from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, 208 national participants from various states of India, and 448 local participants from Lucknow.

Highlights of the Vibrant Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony commenced with a graceful welcome dance, extending a warm reception to the distinguished Chief Guest, Lieutenant Colonel Nitin Joshi, physical training officer of the 11th Gorkha Rifles’ Regimental Centre, Lucknow. A renowned endurance athlete of the Indian Army and a Guinness World Records titleholder.

He was joined by our eminent guests, honoured personalities from the fields of sports, literature, life coaching and athletics–Mr Vivek Pandit (Life Coach and Author), Ms Rachna Govil (Arjun Awardee, Former Executive Director of the Sports Authority of India), Mrs Jyotsna Singh (Indian Golf Player), Mr Arun Sharma (Former Captain – UP Team and selector at cricket association lucknow), Miss Komal Worah (Former Ranji Player), Miss Radhika Saxena (Former Ranji Player), Mr Shreyansh Trivedi (International Paralympian – track athlete and alumnus of CMS RDSO), and tournament directors, Mr Devendra Kaushal (Badminton) and Mr Jaspal Singh (Karate). The unveiling of the Spardha logo by the CMS leadership, our honoured guests, and the CMS Principals formally set the Olympiad in motion.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting by the chief guest and the CMS management, followed by melodious patriotic songs and prayers performed by the school choir. All-faith Prayer and World Unity Prayer reaffirmed the importance of reverence, tolerance and harmony among people of diverse beliefs. A spirited march-past by the participating teams showcased their discipline, confidence and collective pride, as young athletes represented their respective institutions and countries with enthusiasm. In the World Parliament session, CMS RDSO students deliberated on the theme ‘How sports can dismantle barriers, strengthen international cooperation and contribute to a healthier, more peaceful world.’

‘Dreams to Podium’, a choreographic presentation dedicated to the athletes, celebrated the perseverance, sacrifice and determination that underpin every sporting achievement, reminding the audience that every medal-winning moment begins with a dream nurtured through sustained effort.

Pearls of Wisdom by Eminent Personalities

Addressing the gathering, Mrs Jyotsna Atul, Principal of CMS RDSO Campus emphasised the enduring relevance of sports in a world often divided by difference–

“There are moments when humanity must rise above its differences and recognise what binds us together. Sports bring this ideal to life. The United Nations (UN) has recognised Sports as an important enabler of sustainable development and peace. Spardha is a tribute to the spirit of the UN and the reaffirmation of our collective commitment to peace, unity, and a more harmonious world.”

In her address, CMS Managing Director Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon emphasised that sports occupy an integral place in education and the holistic development of CMS Students. She mentioned–

“Spardha seeks to inspire students to approach competition with discipline, courage and sportsmanship, while understanding that the lessons learnt on the field extend far beyond the sporting arena. Success in sports cannot be measured merely by records broken or medals won. Its enduring value lies equally in the development of character, resilience and respect for both the limitations and potential of the human body.”

Encouraging the young athletes, CMS Founder-Director Dr Bharti Gandhi spoke of the deeper human values embedded in sporting participation.

“Sports is all about sports spirit, the spirit of unity and love. Schools play a crucial role in uniting people.”

Her message resonated with the foundational philosophy of City Montessori School, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the World Is One Family) under which education is envisioned as a means of nurturing responsible global citizens committed to universal brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.

Addressing the young athletes from India and abroad, Chief Guest Lieutenant Colonel Joshi congratulated CMS on organising the international sporting event. He remarked that “CMS is not just a school, it is the heart of Lucknow.”

Drawing upon the Hindi expression “Kudrat ne humein gati aur mati dono diya hai” (nature has endowed us with both movement and intellect), he reminded students that these gifts must be exercised with wisdom and responsibility. Without their judicious use, he cautioned, human potential could be squandered. He also reflected on the significance of ‘jatan’, or sustained effort, encouraging the young audience to persevere even when greatness appears difficult to attain.

Young Athletes Share Their Aspirations at the Press Conference

Earlier during the day, the participants interacted with journalists at a press conference, expressing their enthusiasm for Spardha 2026.

Representatives of the Sri Lanka School Judo Association expressed pride in being part of the International Sports Olympiad and their determination to showcase their abilities with full vigour.

Students from Pushpasadan Boarding Secondary School, Nepal, welcomed the opportunity to form friendships with peers from different countries, while participants from East Horizon English High School, Nepal, expressed eagerness to compete across various sporting disciplines. They also shared their positive impressions of visiting India.

The delegation from the Bhutan Judo Association spoke warmly of the affection and hospitality they had experienced at CMS, sentiments that reflected the spirit of welcome extended to the international teams.

These conversations revealed a shared understanding of Spardha as more than a tournament.

Beyond Competition: A Celebration of Character and Global Citizenship

The first day of Spardha 2026 established a compelling vision of what international school sports can achieve when athletic ambition is guided by educational purpose and humanitarian values. Amid stirring melodies, ceremonial marches and inspiring messages of world unity, the inaugural ceremony evoked the spirit of a miniature world, where geographical boundaries receded and the ideals of friendship, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence took centre stage.