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 atmosphere of Ballygunge Arena was alive with laughter and competition as over 130 alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School (ALSOC) gathered for the inaugural AL-Pickle tournament, a spirited day of Pickleball that brought together friends and families in a celebration of sport and camaraderie.

The event, held in association with t2, kicked off with an electrifying auction where ten team owners eagerly bid on players from a diverse pool of participants. The excitement was palpable, setting the stage for a day filled with competitive matches and playful banter. Team names like "House of Dinks" and "Lob Mob" added a humorous twist to the proceedings, reflecting the light-hearted spirit of the day.

As the sun rose higher, Ballygunge Arena transformed into a bustling hub of activity. Players of all skill levels, from seasoned veterans to enthusiastic newcomers, showcased their skills across four courts in a round-robin format that allowed everyone ample time to shine. The event spanned nearly 12 hours, with teams battling it out in a series of thrilling matchups.

The knockout stages intensified as teams were eliminated one by one, culminating in a nail-biting final between the "Kitchen Crushers" and "House of Dinks." After a fierce showdown, "House of Dinks" emerged victorious, capping off the day with a jubilant award ceremony that celebrated not just the winners, but the spirit of community and friendship that defined the event.

Fr. Roshan Tirkey, S.J., principal of St. Xavier’s School, expressed his pride in the alumni’s efforts. “Any ‘first’ requires a lot of courage and creativity, and our young ALSOC cohort took courage to organise this tournament. It’s heartening to see our alumni, young and old, connecting through activities like this. May the Xaverian spirit of brotherhood continue to grow among our boys. Nihil Ultra!”

The enthusiasm was echoed by Sanjay Loiwal, honorary secretary of ALSOC, who noted the overwhelming response to the event. “Initially, we expected around 50 registrations, but the turnout has been incredible. We now have over 130 players across 10 teams. It’s been a massive success!”

Sumesh Dugar, convenor of AL-Pickle, shared his excitement about the day. “Being among friends and feeling that ‘Xaverian’ spirit has been incredible. The energy here is unmatched, and it’s been amazing to see everyone engage with what we’ve created.”

Participants expressed their hopes for future leagues, with Rohit Bansal from Team V3 Boys stating, “All the members have worked hard, and we can see the results today.”

The victorious team, "House of Dinks," celebrated their win with enthusiasm. “Winning the first edition of AL-Pickle was unforgettable. The organization and exciting rules made for a fun-filled day, allowing us to reconnect with both seniors and juniors,” said Shaurya Agrawal, owner of the winning team.

Runners-up "Kitchen Crushers" also reflected on their experience. “Competing with fellow Xaverians was amazing. This wasn’t just a tournament — it was a celebration of Xavier’s legacy, friendship, and fierce sportsmanship,” said co-owners Tanuj Agarwal and Rishabh Surana.

The event not only fostered competition but also inclusivity, with spouses participating and contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. Nishi Mehra, who won the women’s category for "House of Dinks," praised the event’s execution and expressed eagerness for future tournaments.

As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, competition, and community spirit, the ALSOC alumni left Ballygunge Arena with cherished memories and a renewed commitment to staying connected through sports and friendship. The success of AL-Pickle promises a bright future for similar events, ensuring that the Xaverian spirit continues to thrive.