By Mrs Dorothy Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

The spirit of Don Bosco Naigaon shone brightly on September 17, 2025, as the Under-17 Boys Basketball Team of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon, carved their names in glory by emerging victorious at the District Sports Office (DSO) Inter-School Basketball Tournament. The tournament was held on the courts of St Augustine High School, Vasai (West), and it witnessed some of the most competitive teams from reputed schools across the district coming together for a thrilling display of sporting excellence.

With the participation of leading schools from Naigaon to Vasai, the championship was a celebration of not just competition, but also of friendship, sportsmanship, and the values that sports instil in young minds. Against such a competitive backdrop, the triumph of Don Bosco Naigaon becomes all the more remarkable and praiseworthy.

In the quarterfinals, Don Bosco played against St. Xavier’s High School, Naigaon (West). The match set the tone for what was to follow, as our boys displayed remarkable defence, agility, and coordination. The game ended with Don Bosco securing a 2–0 win, a result that reflected the team’s discipline and tactical planning. Riding high on this victory, the team advanced to the semifinals, where they faced Vidya Vikasini School. This was a game that truly showcased the strength of teamwork. With swift passes, excellent positioning, and relentless energy, the Boscoites overpowered their opponents with a dominant 10–4 victory.

The finals brought Don Bosco face-to-face with the host school, St Augustine High School, Vasai (West). Both teams fought neck-to-neck, displaying grit and unwavering determination. Don Bosco held their nerve and sealed the game with a close but thrilling 7–6 victory. The final whistle marked not just the end of the match, but the beginning of a new chapter of pride and glory in the sporting journey of Don Bosco Naigaon. While the trophy is a shining achievement, the victory is much more than just a number on the scoreboard.

The Principal, Fr Anthony Fonseca, congratulated the players saying, “This victory is not just a sporting achievement but also a reflection of the values of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship that we try to instil in our students.”  Coach Abraham Thomas, who has been guiding the team with dedication and passion, expressed his pride, saying, “The boys displayed exceptional dedication and teamwork throughout the tournament.”

The triumph of the Under-17 Basketball Team is yet another feather in the cap of Don Bosco Naigaon’s growing reputation in the field of sports. As the trophy shines bright in the school’s cabinet, it symbolizes not only the skill of the players but also the enduring values of Don Bosco himself—faith, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.