A Day of Fun and Competition: The Inaugural AL-Pickle Tournament at St. Xavier’s Collegiate School
Alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School Unite for a Day of Pickleball Fun at AL-Pickle
Ballygunge Arena, Kolkata – The vibrant spirit of camaraderie and competition filled the air as the alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School (ALSOC) gathered for the inaugural AL-Pickle tournament, a lively Pickleball event held at Ballygunge Arena. In collaboration with t2, this auction-based league attracted over 130 participants, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport in the city.
The excitement kicked off with a spirited auction, where ten team owners eagerly bid on players from a diverse pool of alumni. The atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for a day filled with competitive matches and family fun. Teams sported humorous names like "House of Dinks" and "Lob Mob," adding a playful twist to the competition.
As the day unfolded, Ballygunge Arena transformed into a bustling hub of activity, adorned with vibrant team colors and creative banners. Players of all skill levels, from seasoned alumni to enthusiastic newcomers, engaged in thrilling rallies that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The tournament format featured a round-robin league, allowing ample court time for all participants.
With each passing hour, the competition intensified, leading to a nail-biting final showdown between the "Kitchen Crushers" and "House of Dinks." After a fierce battle, "House of Dinks" emerged victorious, culminating in a jubilant award ceremony that celebrated the day’s achievements.
Fr. Roshan Tirkey, S.J., principal of St. Xavier’s School, expressed his pride in the event’s success. “Any ‘first’ requires a lot of courage and creativity, and our young ALSOC cohort took the initiative to organize this tournament. It’s heartening to see alumni of all ages reconnecting through such activities. May the Xaverian spirit of brotherhood continue to thrive,” he said, joining in the fun with enthusiasm.
Sanjay Loiwal, honorary secretary of ALSOC, and his son Siddant, both alumni, shared their excitement about the event. “We anticipated around 50 registrations, but the response has been incredible. Over 130 players across 10 teams have made this a massive success,” they noted.
Sumesh Dugar, the convenor of AL-Pickle, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unique energy of the day. “It’s been amazing to see everyone engaging and cheering for their teams. The Xaverian spirit is truly alive here,” he said.
Participants expressed their hopes for future leagues, with Rohit Bansal from Team V3 Boys emphasizing the hard work that went into organizing the event. “We can see the results today, and we hope to continue this tradition,” he remarked.
The victors, "House of Dinks," celebrated their win with joy. “Winning the first edition of AL-Pickle was unforgettable. The organization and atmosphere made it a special day for reconnecting with fellow alumni,” said Shaurya Agrawal, team owner.
Runners-up "Kitchen Crushers" also reflected on their experience, with co-owners Tanuj Agarwal and Rishabh Surana sharing their joy in competing alongside fellow Xaverians. “This was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of friendship and sportsmanship,” they said.
Nishi Mehra, who won the women’s category for "House of Dinks," praised the event’s inclusivity. “Including spouses made it truly special. I’m already looking forward to the next edition,” she added.
As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, competition, and community, the success of the first AL-Pickle tournament left participants eagerly anticipating future events, ensuring that the spirit of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School continues to thrive.
Pictures courtesy: ALSOC
