On August 27, CMR National Public School hosted Blazing Hoops, the thrilling inter school basketball competition with a decade-long legacy. Teams from several schools came together for the event, all keen to show off their skills and compete for the title.
As we started off with the opening ceremony, we welcomed our esteemed chief guest, Mr. Anil Kumar B. K. He is a highly-qualified professional basketball player, who has represented the Senior Indian National Team in Asia cup qualifiers window 2 held at Bahrain. We also had the school’s basketball team captains from the 2019 batch, Ms. Sunaina Rao and Mr. Jitesh Reddy, grace us with their presence.
Our head of school, Ms. Praseetha Sajan, kicked off the event with a mesmerising balloon release and an inspiring speech. The school band followed with an electrifying performance that fired up the crowd.
As Day 1 of the event progressed, the energy in the air was palpable as players showcased their agility, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The competition proved to be tight as teams fought to keep their spot in the tournament.
Six food stalls were set up on campus, offering a range of options such as pizzas, burritos, frozen yoghurt, rolls, desserts, and other assorted snacks. These stalls provided a variety of cuisines and refreshing beverages that were well-received by the crowd. The availability of these different food choices added to the enjoyment of the event, allowing spectators to savour their meals while watching the matches.
Day 2 of the tournament intensified as the Knockout rounds continued, with each team battling fiercely for a spot in the semi-finals. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as players geared up, refining their strategies and sharpening their skills. Every game became more crucial, and the stakes were higher than ever. As the day progressed, the excitement grew, leading up to the thrilling semi-final matches that would decide who would move one step closer to winning the tournament. Students from grades 7 to 12 came down in batches between classes to cheer the teams on. They were equally as enthusiastic as the players were about the game which led to fiery chants.
Day 2 came to a close with RCIS, Ekya ITPL, MAIS and CMR NPS advancing in the girls’ category, and CMR PU Kalyan Nagar, Ekya ITPL, DPS South and CMR NPS A advancing in the boys’ category.
Day 3 arrived, and the long-awaited finals began, filling the campus with anticipation. The two top teams of each category were ready to compete in the final match, with spectators gathering to watch. Every move on the court now mattered, with the trophy on the line.
The first match of the day was the bronze medal game, where teams competed for third place. Both teams were focused on securing the final spot on the podium. Spectators observed as the teams gave their best efforts on the court. Ekya ITPL secured 3rd Place in both the boys’ and girls’ category, bringing honour to their school.
Following this, the eagerly awaited girls’ finals featured a high-stakes clash between CMR NPS and MAIS. The match was a powerful display of skill and determination from both teams. Each side brought their best to the court, with strong plays and strategic moves defining the game. The intense competition kept spectators engaged as both teams pushed hard for victory. In the end, MAIS emerged as the champion, securing first place, while CMR NPS finished as the runner-up.
As lunch arrived, the teams headed out to grab a bite, while the 12th graders organised a flash mob. The surprise performance added an extra layer of excitement to the day, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic spectators who cheered and danced along. The lively event created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, making the break a memorable part of the day.
After lunch and the lively flash mob, attention turned to the boys’ finals between DPS South and CMR NPS A. With excitement filling the air, both teams readied themselves for the finals. The spectators eagerly anticipated the match. The atmosphere was electric as everyone prepared for what promised to be an intense and memorable conclusion to the tournament. Ultimately, DPS South secured the win and took first place, while CMR NPS A finished as the runner-up. The thrilling game capped off the tournament with a memorable finale.
With this, our 3-day event came to a close, all our achievements born from hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. This tournament was a celebration of not just athletic skill, but also the spirit of fair play and mutual respect. The true essence of sports lies in the journey and growth of every participant, and this event highlighted how commitment and respect for the game brings out the best in all of us.
- Snigdha Banerjee, Editor
- Shuvasree S, Sub Editor
