Spardha 2026 - A Grand Finale Honouring Sporting Excellence

An energising session and an inspiring prayer assembly, set a reflective and celebratory tone for the conclusion of the International Sports Olympiad. The participating teams and their leaders subsequently shared their experiences during a ‘Feedback Session’, reflecting on the sporting challenges, cultural exchanges and friendships that had enriched their time at Spardha 2026.

Adding a reflective dimension to the closing ceremony, Ms Shraddha Teli, Head – Strategic Partnerships & Organisational Branding, CMS, spoke about the enduring relationships and humanitarian values that emerge from sporting encounters. Emphasising the connection between sportsmanship and world peace, she remarked:

“World peace doesn’t always begin in an international conference led by world leaders, but sometimes, it begins on a sports field. It begins with a helping, a sincere heartshake and a heart that knows how to win with humility and lose with grace. The final winner is someone who chooses kindness.”

Mr Shahzad Alam, Consultant – JYEP & GCE, Innovation Wing, CMS, highlighted the role of sports in fostering humility, balance and holistic personal development. Drawing upon the familiar image of a fruit-laden tree bending under the weight of its fruits, he explained that greater knowledge and achievement should inspire greater humility and kindness rather than pride.

“When we see a tree laden with fruits, you’ll notice, it always bends. Similarly, when we have lots of knowledge and achievements, we need to be more humble, kind.”

He further emphasised that physical development must complement spiritual growth, ethical awareness and the cultivation of character. Comparing the body to a horse and the soul to the rider who guides it, he said:

“Just as a rider must direct the horse with wisdom and care, individuals must nurture both their physical capabilities and their inner character to progress meaningfully through life. Sports, in this context, become an avenue not only for building strength and stamina but also for developing self-discipline, humility and a sense of purpose.”

The prize distribution and closing ceremony was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr Munawar Anzar, Founder General Secretary of the Indian Blind and Para Judo Association and an International Judo Referee, through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. He was joined by Mr Anjani Kushwaha, a national-level inline speed skater and coach from Lucknow, along with other distinguished guests and members of the CMS leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Munawar Anzar commended the talent and enthusiasm of the young athletes. He observed that the memories of this magnificent Olympiad would remain with them throughout their lives, continuing to inspire them towards excellence. 

The prize distribution ceremony was interspersed with colourful educational-cultural presentations by CMS students, adding vibrancy and artistic expression to the grand finale. 

A key moment of the Olympiad was the announcement of the Sri Lanka Schools Judo Association, Gampola, Sri Lanka, as the Overall Champion. The winners went home with the prestigious Dr Jagdish Gandhi Memorial Championship Trophy.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Jyotsna Atul, Convenor of Spardha 2026 and Principal of CMS RDSO Campus, expressed her appreciation for the participants’ accomplishments. She observed that the young athletes had demonstrated sporting talent, creativity and confidence, reflecting the potential of the younger generation to contribute constructively to social development. She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to all the athletes, sports experts and teachers who had travelled from India and abroad to participate in the Olympiad, acknowledging their contribution to making the four-day event a memorable celebration of sporting excellence and global fellowship.

At Spardha 2026, the trophies may have found their champions, but the spirit of sportsmanship belongs to everyone. And in a world that needs greater understanding and compassion, the Olympiad’s most significant victory is the reminder that when young people learn to compete with integrity, celebrate with humility and stand together in friendship, they become champions not only of sport, but also of a more peaceful and united world.