CBSE Cluster–II Basketball Tournament 2026 Concludes with Grand Valedictory Ceremony

Report by : Sujit Kumar

Burnpur : The four-day CBSE Cluster–II Basketball Tournament 2026 concluded on a grand note with a colourful valedictory ceremony at Burnpur Riverside School, celebrating outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork and competitive excellence among young basketball players from across the region.

The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 1,300 student-athletes, representing 133 teams from 78 CBSE-affiliated schools. Throughout the four-day championship, participants showcased exceptional talent, discipline and determination in highly competitive matches across multiple age categories.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Shri Jitendra Kumar, Chief General Manager (HR) & Officiating Executive Director (HR), SAIL-ISP, Burnpur, and Shri Thongkholet Mate, Joint Secretary & Head, Centre of Excellence, CBSE Bhubaneswar, as the Guests of Honour. Members of the Managing Committee of Burnpur Riverside School and the Burnpur Riverside School Educational Society were also present on the occasion.

The programme began with a formal welcome, followed by a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram. The dignitaries were felicitated with floral bouquets and ceremonial shawls. Director and Principal Sri Sushil Kumar Sinha welcomed the guests and highlighted the tournament's achievements, praising the spirit of healthy competition displayed by all participating teams.

Addressing the gathering after the Under-19 Boys' final, the Guests of Honour commended the students for their discipline, perseverance and commitment, while emphasising the importance of sports in promoting character building, leadership and holistic development.

Champions were crowned in six categories across Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 divisions for both boys and girls. DPS, Rajnandgaon dominated the girls' competition by winning the titles in the Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 categories. In the boys' division, The Mother's Public School, Unit-I, Khurda emerged champions in the Under-14 category, Vikash Residential School, Bargarh claimed the Under-17 title, while Yugantar Public School, Rajnandgaon lifted the Under-19 Boys' championship trophy.

The host institution, Burnpur Riverside School, delivered an impressive performance by securing bronze medals in the Under-14 Boys and Under-19 Girls categories. Outstanding individual performers were also honoured with special awards and felicitations during the ceremony.

The event concluded with the ceremonial lowering of the CBSE Sports Flag and the School Flag, followed by a vote of thanks and the singing of the National Anthem.

The successful organisation of the tournament reflected the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and excellence, leaving participants, officials and spectators with lasting memories of an inspiring sporting event.