AL-Pickle: A Day of Fun and Competition at St. Xavier’s Collegiate School

Alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School Unite for a Thrilling Day of Pickleball at AL-Pickle

Ballygunge Arena—The vibrant spirit of camaraderie and competition filled the air as over 130 alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School (ALSOC) gathered for the inaugural AL-Pickle tournament, a fun-filled day of Pickleball that brought together friends and families. Hosted in association with t2, this auction-based league showcased the growing popularity of the sport in Kolkata.

The excitement kicked off with a lively auction, where ten team owners eagerly bid on players from a pool of 130 participants. The spirited bidding set the tone for a day filled with laughter and competition, as teams like "House of Dinks" and "Lob Mob" took to the courts in a round-robin format designed to ensure everyone had ample playtime.

As the sun shone down on Ballygunge Arena, the venue transformed into a vibrant Pickleball hub, adorned with colorful banners and team jerseys. Players of all skill levels—from seasoned alumni to enthusiastic newcomers—dashed, dove, and dinked their way through exhilarating matches, creating an electric atmosphere that lasted nearly 12 hours.

The competition intensified as teams were gradually eliminated, culminating in a nail-biting final showdown between the "Kitchen Crushers" and "House of Dinks." After a thrilling match, "House of Dinks" emerged victorious, celebrating their triumph during a jubilant award ceremony that marked the end of a memorable day.

Fr. Roshan Tirkey, S.J., principal of St. Xavier’s School, expressed his pride in the event, stating, “Any ‘first’ requires a lot of courage and creativity, and our young ALSOC cohort took courage to organize the first AL-Pickle Tournament. It is heartening to see our alumni, young and old, connecting through activities like this. May the Xaverian spirit of brotherhood continue to grow.”

The event exceeded expectations, with Sanjay Loiwal (batch of 1976) and his son Siddant (batch of 2014) noting, “We initially anticipated around 50 registrations, but the response has been incredible. Over 130 players across 10 teams have made this a massive success.”

Sumesh Dugar (batch of 2007), convenor of AL-Pickle, echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “It’s been incredibly exciting to be among friends and feel that ‘Xaverian’ spirit. The energy here is unmatched.”

Participants shared their experiences, with Rohit Bansal (batch of 2009) from Team V3 Boys expressing hopes for future leagues, while Shaurya Agrawal (batch of 2016) celebrated the victory of "House of Dinks," highlighting the event’s seamless organization and community spirit.

The runners-up, "Kitchen Crushers," also reflected on their experience, with co-owners Tanuj Agarwal and Rishabh Surana (batch of 2014) emphasizing the joy of competing alongside fellow Xaverians.

Nishi Mehra, who won the women’s category for "House of Dinks," praised the event’s inclusivity, stating, “Including spouses was a brilliant touch. I’m already looking forward to the next edition.”

As the day concluded, the success of AL-Pickle not only celebrated the sport but also reinforced the bonds of friendship and community among the alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School. With plans for future tournaments on the horizon, the Xaverian spirit continues to thrive, promising more unforgettable moments ahead.