Wandoor(Port Blair): In a major step towards promoting gender equality through sports, young boys and girls took to the football field as teammates during the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ first-ever mixed-gender football tournament, held at Wandoor on Sunday. Named “IslandActive,” the pioneering event brought together nearly 110 children and youth in a unique format that required girls and boys to play in the same team.
Organised by Dakshin Foundation and the Andaman Nicobar Environment Team (ANET) in collaboration with the Wandoor Gram Panchayat and local youth, the tournament marked a milestone for inclusive sports in the Islands.
Nine mixed-gender teams participated, including seven teams supported through Dakshin Foundation’s Sports and Community Wellbeing Programme. The tournament featured Under-12 and Under-19 categories, with teams required to field four girls and three boys at all times, ensuring equal participation and shared leadership opportunities.
The event highlighted the success of Dakshin Foundation’s Sports and Community Wellbeing Programme, which has been promoting adolescent health, gender sensitivity, teamwork and community wellbeing through sports since 2020. Over the past two years, nearly 200 young athletes have participated in weekly football coaching sessions in Wandoor and Junglighat. Director of Education Aditya Sangotra attended as chief guest and inaugurated the Under-19 final match. Wandoor Panchayat Pradhan Adhir Das, teachers, parents and local residents were also present to cheer the participants.
While the Under-12 category featured an exhibition match, seven mixed-gender teams competed in the Under-19 division. Participants included youth from Dakshin’s programme and girls from the Sports Authority of India’s football residential programme. An exhibition match involving local young adults from Wandoor added to the excitement. Among the standout performers, Sara Ekka Lakra of the Sports Authority of India emerged as the top scorer, netting eight goals in a single match, while Krishnendu Das was named Best Player for his outstanding performance and leadership.
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The Spirit Champion Award went to Thunder Hawks for demonstrating inclusivity, teamwork and gender-balanced participation. Blue Lock FC finished runners-up, while Titan FC emerged champions in the Under-19 category.
Organisers described IslandActive as more than a football tournament, saying it celebrated inclusion, respect and equal opportunity while demonstrating how sports can help break gender stereotypes, build confidence among young people and foster stronger, more inclusive communities.
