By Fr Leon Rodrigues sdb for BIS Mumbai

January 26, 2026, Nashik, Maharashtra: In an exuberant exhibition of sportsmanship and youthful energy, the Don Bosco Youth Nashik (DBYN) organized the Don Bosco Cup 2026 on January 26, Republic Day. Under the dynamic leadership of the Youth Director, Fr Leon Rodrigues sdb, five parishes from the Nashik zone of the Nashik Diocese united together for a day of competition in Football and Throwball at the Don Bosco Parish grounds, Nashik.

Teams from the Don Bosco Parish, St. Anne’s Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Deolali, Sacred Heart Parish Igatpuri and Holy Cross Parish Nashik arrived at 10.30 a.m. brimming with joy and enthusiasm. The event kickstarted with an inspiring address by the chief guest Br Savio D’mello sdb, the former Youth Director of the 14 dioceses of the Madhya Pradesh region. Quoting St John Bosco, he urged the athletes to ‘dream big just like Don Bosco’. He invited the youngsters to aspire to fulfil those dreams and complete one’s goals, no matter the challenges. His words were motivational and inspiring, blending faith, perseverance and hard work.

The tournament saw scintillating action as St. Patrick’s Deolali emerged champions after a thrilling finals with Don Bosco Parish. In the throwball tournament, Don Bosco Parish Girls, turned the tables and secured the first place while St. Anne’s Cathedral fought valiantly for the second place. Spectators cheered to their hearts content as the trophies and medals were distributed. This cheering was not only for the wonderful victories of the team but also for the spirit of determination and team work.

Amid the excitement of the tournament, the organisers ensured that a sumptuous lunch was organised to fuel the players’ appetite. This mirrored Don Bosco’s care for the young and the spirited. The day ended with an impromptu JAM session that saw the youngsters shared their talents of joy and merriment. This fostered bonds beyond the field of play.

Mr. Linus Nirmal, the captain of the Don Bosco Parish Football team hailed the event as a ‘triumph of unity’ wherein more that 100 participants strengthened their diocesan ties. This echoed the words of Br Savio D’mello sdb, the chief guest who had said, “Sports builds character, just as Don Bosco envisioned”.

This cup is an annual tradition, which inspires the youth of Nashik to dream in the Don Bosco style.