One festival and hundreds embracing sport as a way of life

On a crisp December morning in Muzaffarpur, the historic L.S. College Sports Ground was buzzing with excitement as thousands of young athletes, faces brimming with hope and determination, gathered in colourful jerseys, representing 90 schools from across the district.

The Muzaffarpur Sports Festival Season 2 was more than just a sporting event;, it was a celebration of dreams, resilience, and the unwavering belief that sports can change lives. Hundreds of students participated in 8 sports, 78 events and 234 medals were at stake.

As the whistle blew to mark the opening ceremony, the athletes marched in unison, their heads held high. Among them were students from rural government schools, many of whom had travelled long distances to be part of this grand event.

For some, this was their first taste of a major competition. For others, it was a stage to prove their mettle.

A four-day spectacle

Over four days, the ground became a battlefield of skill, perseverance, and camaraderie. From thrilling football matches to nail-biting tug-of-war contests, every event told a story of young athletes pushing their limits.

This festival was not merely a gathering of athletes; it was a platform for young talent to shine, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. Schools from rural and urban areas competed on equal footing, highlighting the inclusive spirit of the event.

Behind every young athlete stood a teacher—a physical education (PE) teacher—whose quiet dedication had prepared them for this moment.

"I see potential in every child," said one PE teacher, watching their team compete.

"This festival is a platform for them to discover their capabilities, and that’s what makes all the hard work worth it."

Principals and school directors also played a crucial role, encouraging participation and supporting their students. It was their belief in the power of sports that had brought their schools to this stage.

At the heart of this extraordinary event was the Swami Vivekanand Krida Avam Yoga Sansthan. The organisation's vision resonated in every aspect of the festival, from the meticulous planning to the warmth with which every participant was welcomed.

While the athletes shone on the field, another group of heroes worked quietly in the background—the sponsors, in this case a nationalised bank, two of the state’s public sector bodies and a fitness chain. Their support had turned the dream of a grand sports festival into reality.

Multiple sports

Kabaddi stole the show with 90 teams and a staggering 1,080 players competing in three age categories—Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16.

With over 600 matches played during the festival, the sheer scale was a testament to the sport's popularity and potential. The event served as a pool for identifying talent for senior championships, laying the groundwork for future state and national-level stars.

Football saw an unprecedented rise, with participation from 18 boys’ teams, marking a 200% jump from the previous season.

This surge has inspired the local football association to consider launching an inter-school league to sustain this momentum. However, the girls’ category saw participation from only three teams, highlighting the need to encourage more young girls to take up the sport and address existing barriers.

Kho Kho emerged as a crowd favorite, with 52 teams and over 600 players displaying their skills and teamwork. The level of participation and enthusiasm for this traditional Indian sport reinforced its relevance and potential to shine on bigger stages.

While volleyball saw comparatively fewer teams (32 in total), the standard of competition was remarkably high. Many participants displayed professional-level skills, creating a talent pool that is already being eyed for senior and professional leagues. With the dedication and talent witnessed, it’s not far-fetched to imagine future Indian volleyball stars emerging from this festival.

The introduction of kids athletics for children under 10 and 12 years was not just entertaining but also inspiring, offering a glimpse of the potential waiting to be nurtured. Also, Tug of War was crowd puller. Table tennis saw a less participation, because of scanty infrastructure.

Badminton saw participation of 230 players. In under 12 category girls were 62% of the total participation.

As the festival ended, the impact of the event was evident. Young athletes, once hesitant and unsure, walked away inspired. For many, this was the start of a journey—a dream to one day compete on national or even international stages.

The festival also sparked a renewed focus on sports in schools. Principals began discussing ways to integrate sports into their annual curriculums, with ideas of publishing sports calendars and organizing regular training sessions. PE teachers returned to their schools with a newfound sense of purpose, ready to mentor the next generation of athletes.

A glimpse into the future

On the final day, as the medals were awarded and the winners celebrated, the festival’s legacy became clear. This was more than just a four-day event. It was a movement—a call to action for schools, sponsors, and communities to embrace sports as a way of life.

In all, the festival was a story of possibility. It’s about what happens when multiple stakeholders join hands to create opportunities.

As the sun set over the sports ground, a young girl clutching her medal looked up at her coach and said, "I want to keep playing. I want to get better."And just like that, the seeds of a brighter future were sown.

Events such as this underscores the need for more such grassroots events to identify and nurture talent from every corner of India. These festivals are not just about competition—they are about creating opportunities, building confidence, and inspiring communities.