AL-Pickle: A Day of Fun and Competition for St. Xavier’s Alumni at Ballygunge Arena
Alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School Unite for a Day of Fun at AL-Pickle Tournament
Ballygunge Arena buzzed with excitement as alumni from St. Xavier’s Collegiate School (ALSOC) gathered for a lively day of Pickleball, marking the inaugural AL-Pickle tournament. In partnership with t2, this auction-based league attracted over 130 participants, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in Kolkata.
The day 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 series of competitive yet fun matches designed for both adults and children. Teams sported humorous names like "House of Dinks" and "Lob Mob," adding a playful twist to the competition.
As the sun shone down on Ballygunge Arena, the venue transformed into a vibrant Pickleball hub, adorned with colorful banners and team jerseys. Players, ranging from seasoned veterans to enthusiastic newcomers, showcased their skills in a round-robin format that allowed everyone ample court time.
The tournament progressed through thrilling matchups, with teams gradually eliminated until only two remained: the Kitchen Crushers and House of Dinks. After an intense final showdown, House of Dinks emerged victorious, capping off the day with a jubilant awards ceremony.
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 that courage to organize this tournament. It’s heartening to see alumni of all ages reconnecting through activities like this. May the Xaverian spirit of brotherhood continue to grow,” he said, joining in on the fun with enthusiasm.
Sanjay Loiwal, honorary secretary of ALSOC, and his son Siddant, who both played pivotal roles in organizing the event, were thrilled with the turnout. “We initially expected around 50 registrations, but the response has been incredible. Over 130 players across 10 teams is a massive success,” they noted.
Sumesh Dugar, convenor of AL-Pickle, echoed the excitement, stating, “The energy here is unmatched. It’s been amazing to see everyone engage with what we’ve created.” Fellow organizing committee member Saurabh Maheshwari added, “The enthusiasm has been phenomenal, with a long waitlist even until last night.”
Participants expressed hopes for future leagues, with Rohit Bansal from Team V3 Boys emphasizing the hard work that went into making the event a success.
The victorious House of Dinks celebrated their win, with team members Shaurya Agrawal and Kaushal Mehra praising the event’s organization and the vibrant community atmosphere. “Winning the first edition of AL-Pickle was unforgettable. The high standards set by the referees and the professional setup made this victory even more special,” they shared.
Runners-up Kitchen Crushers also reflected on their experience, with co-owners Tanuj Agarwal and Rishabh Surana celebrating the camaraderie and spirit of the tournament. “This wasn’t just a competition; it was a celebration of Xavier’s legacy and friendship,” they remarked.
Nishi Mehra, who won the women’s category for House of Dinks, highlighted the inclusivity of the event, stating, “Including spouses was a brilliant touch. I’m already looking forward to the next edition.”
As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, competition, and camaraderie, the first AL-Pickle tournament left an indelible mark on the alumni community, promising more exciting events in the future.
Pictures courtesy: ALSOC
