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 Thrilling Day of Pickleball at AL-Pickle

Ballygunge Arena buzzed with excitement as alumni of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School (ALSOC) gathered for a day of camaraderie and competition at the inaugural AL-Pickle tournament, held in association with t2. With over 130 participants, the event showcased the growing popularity of pickleball in the city, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of activity.

The day kicked off with a lively auction, where ten team owners eagerly bid on players from a diverse pool of alumni. The spirited atmosphere set the tone for the matches to come, with team names like "House of Dinks" and "Lob Mob" adding a humorous twist to the competition. The tournament format featured a round-robin league, ensuring that everyone had ample time on the court, whether they were seasoned players or first-timers.

As the sun shone brightly, Ballygunge Arena came alive with colorful banners and enthusiastic cheers. Players dashed, dove, and delivered impressive dinks, creating thrilling matchups that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The competition intensified as teams were gradually eliminated, culminating in a nail-biting final between the Kitchen Crushers and the House of Dinks.

After a fierce showdown, the House of Dinks emerged victorious, igniting a jubilant award ceremony that celebrated not just the winners but the spirit of community and friendship that defines the Xaverian legacy.

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 the initiative 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.”

The enthusiasm was palpable, with Sanjay Loiwal (batch of 1976) and his son Siddant (batch of 2014) sharing their excitement about the overwhelming turnout. “We initially expected around 50 registrations, but the response has been incredible,” they noted, highlighting the event’s success.

Sumesh Dugar (batch of 2007), convenor of AL-Pickle, echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s been amazing to see everyone engaging with what we’ve created. The energy here is unmatched.” Organizing committee member Saurabh Maheshwari (batch of 2006) added, “The tournament has been a roaring success, with a long waitlist even until the last minute.”

Participants expressed their hopes for future leagues, with Rohit Bansal (batch of 2009) from Team V3 Boys emphasizing the hard work that went into the event.

The victors, House of Dinks, celebrated their win with Shaurya Agrawal (batch of 2016) and Kaushal Mehra (batch of 2003) remarking, “Winning the first edition of AL-Pickle was unforgettable. The organization and community spirit made it even more special.”

Runners-up Kitchen Crushers, represented by Tanuj Agarwal and Rishabh Surana (batch of 2014), reflected on the joy of competing with fellow Xaverians, stating, “This wasn’t just a tournament — it was a celebration of Xavier’s legacy, friendship, and fierce sportsmanship.”

Nishi Mehra, who won the women’s category for House of Dinks, praised the event’s inclusivity, saying, “Including spouses made it truly special. I’m already looking forward to the next edition.”

As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, competition, and connection, the ALSOC community left Ballygunge Arena with cherished memories and a renewed commitment to fostering the Xaverian spirit. The first AL-Pickle tournament was not just a sporting event; it was a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and camaraderie that define the St. Xavier’s legacy.