The winning team received a cash prize of ₹75,000, while KC High International School, which secured the runner-up position, received a cash prize of ₹50,000.  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Omega International School emerges champion as Chennai’s premier U-16 football tournament concludes

by · The Hindu

The grand finale of Chennai’s premier U-16 Football Tournament, which was hosted by Vellore International School (VIS) in collaboration with The Hindu, concluded with Omega International School emerging as the champion.

KC High International School secured the runner-up position.

The thrilling match saw the Omega International School dominate the game and secure an emphatic 6-0 victory. The winning team received a cash prize of ₹75,000, while the runner-up took home ₹50,000.

Best performers

Ritish Kumar, Omega International School, was declared the ‘Player Of The Tournament’. Other individual performers included Omega International School’s Siddharth, who bagged the Golden Glove, while Adhithya (Omega International School) received the Golden Ball. The Golden Boot was bagged by Aryan, KC High International School, and the Fair Play Award was given to Vellore International School (VIS).

Dignitaries who were present included Venkatesh S., former Assistant Coach, India, and Technical Director, FC Madras; Rohit Ramesh, Director, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, L.V. Navaneeth, CEO, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, G.V. Selvam, Chairman, VIS, and vice-president, VIT, and K. Prabhakaran, Principal, VIS.

Mr. Venkatesh praised parents for encouraging young athletes. “It’s heartening to see parents motivate their children to balance sports and academics. Winning and losing are part of the journey, and it’s participation that matters most,” he said. Mr. Selvam expressed pride in successfully hosting 64 matches with 32 participating schools.

“This year’s success inspires us to expand the tournament further, offering more students the opportunity to showcase their talent. Football is a sport that instils team spirit, sharing, and learning—values that are essential both on and off the field,” he said.

The tournament highlighted the rising popularity of football among young athletes, fostering talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship in Chennai’s school community.

Published - December 18, 2024 12:29 am IST