Port Blair Oct 25: A gentle sea breeze, roaring cheers, and flying sand marked a vibrant start to the two-day Beach Sports Festival–2025 at the sprawling Wandoor Beach, transforming its scenic shores into an arena of energy, enthusiasm, and island spirit.
Organized by the Directorate of Tourism in collaboration with the Departments of Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, and the Gram Panchayat, Wandoor, the event aims to blend tourism promotion with community engagement — bringing together locals, athletes, and visitors for a celebration of sports, fitness, and fun.
The festival was inaugurated by Prakash Adhikari, Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad South Andaman, in the presence of D. Padma Wathi, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Ferrargunj Tehsil, along with PRI members, villagers, and a large crowd of spectators from Wandoor and adjoining areas.
In his inaugural address, Adhikari expressed happiness over the conduct of the festival, commending the Tourism Department’s efforts to involve the Departments of Education and Youth Affairs, and the local Panchayat. “Such large-scale beach sports activities not only attract islanders and tourists but also encourage rural youth to explore opportunities through tourism and sports,” he said, urging organizers to include more events in future editions to widen participation.
Welcoming the gathering, Padma Wathi termed the festival a “promising step toward promoting tourism in rural coastal areas,” adding that such initiatives strengthen community bonds and bring the spotlight to Wandoor’s natural beauty.
The festival opened with adrenaline-pumping preliminary rounds of Volleyball (Men), Tug of War (Women), and Arm Wrestling (Men). The volleyball event drew a massive response with 20 teams — 14 men’s and 6 women’s — battling it out on the golden sands. Ten matches were played on the opening day, with the semi-finals scheduled between Island Krackers & Ravi Arts, and Mahesh Brothers & SBPS, Pahargaon.
In the Tug of War (Women) category, three spirited teams pulled with all their might in the preliminaries, while the semi-finals and finals will unfold tomorrow. The Men’s Tug of War, featuring six teams, will also add muscle and excitement on the closing day.
However, it was the Arm Wrestling (Men) contest that drew the loudest cheers. With 21 participants flexing their strength and stamina, the event showcased raw physical power and sportsmanship. Six finalists have qualified for the much-anticipated final round.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of joy and friendly rivalry — villagers and spectators cheered enthusiastically, turning the beach into a carnival of colors and camaraderie. Beyond competition, the festival embodied a deeper spirit — promoting fitness, teamwork, and sustainable tourism amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Wandoor’s turquoise waters and golden sunsets.
