Matters India Reporter

Hyderabad, Oct 16, 2025 – In a spirited showcase of athleticism and fraternity, the Don Bosco Sports Academy of Shillong Province (INS) emerged champions at the inaugural All India Don Bosco Inter-Province U-17 Basketball Tournament held in Hyderabad on 10–11 October.

The Shillong team is expected to return home on 16 October to a hero’s welcome. Their victory stands as a testament to discipline, teamwork, and the Salesian commitment to nurturing young talent across South Asia.

Organized by the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA) and Don Bosco Youth Animation (DBYA) – Sports Academy, the tournament was hosted by the Hyderabad Province (INH) across two venues: Don Bosco School of Excellence, Motinagar, and Don Bosco High School, Erragadda.

The Shillong team, comprising 12 SYM boys and two officials
started their campaign by a flawless run, defeating Tiruchy, Chennai, and Hyderabad in the preliminaries before overpowering Panjim/Goa Province (INP) 43–33 in the final.

Coach Renaldy Jyrwa credited the team’s success to both preparation and the warmth of the host province. “We felt completely at home here. The care shown by the organisers made us forget we were away from our families,” he said, reflecting the broader appreciation for the hospitality, which included authentic Hyderabadi cuisine and a fraternal atmosphere.

The Panjim Province team, led by Fr. Ralin De Souza (SYM Delegate and Assistant Coach), Head Coach Royston Costa, and Sports Coordinator Br. James Marcus, delivered a commendable performance. Their journey featured decisive wins over Mumbai (42–19), Telangana (67–48), and Chennai (37–29), with standout players from Don Bosco Sports Academy, Fatorda, and Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim—many of whom had previously represented Goa at the Junior Nationals.

The championship was more than a contest—it was a celebration of Don Bosco’s educational ethos. “This event successfully achieved its goal of fostering solidarity and promoting basketball excellence within the Don Bosco community,” said Rev. Fr. Patrick Lepcha, South Asia Delegate for Youth Ministry, DBYA, during the closing ceremony.

Don Bosco Sports Academy, under the aegis of SPCSA (Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia) and DBYA South Asia, is a growing network of 12 provinces aimed at preparing young athletes to represent their states and nations at international sporting events.

“Let’s build together,” said Fr. Patrick Lepcha, DBYA Director. “We want to strengthen this network so that many young people can enhance their careers and help transform our communities into sporting hubs. In this way, we contribute to nation-building in the Salesian way.