Shimla, August 1
Seven students of Auckland House School for Boys have qualified for the CISCE National Championships, with six earning berths in basketball and one in athletics after impressive performances at the regional level.Representing Team Himachal Pradesh, the school’s basketball team emerged champions at the CISCE Regional Basketball Championship, defeating Muktsar Sahib 49-22, Delhi NCR 45-30 in the semi-finals, and Gurdaspur 47-24 in the final.
The title-winning campaign secured national championship berths for Arhaan Shah, Antariksh, Naman, Varanya, Viraj and Sannat, who will now represent the region at the CISCE National Basketball Championship. In athletics, Rudra Dogra, a Class IX student, qualified for the CISCE National Athletics Championship after clinching the silver medal in the Under-17 boys’ 400m event.
Basketball team captain Arhaan Shah attributed the team’s success to discipline and unity, saying the players benefited from staying focused throughout the tournament.”Our principal’s decision to restrict mobile phone use during the competition helped us spend more time together, discuss strategies and perform better as a team,” he said.
Arhaan, who has previously competed at the national level, said he hopes to study at the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior, before pursuing his dream of representing India.Rudra Dogra said recognising his natural speed had strengthened his confidence and motivated him to aim for international success.”My goal is to represent India and make the country proud,” he said.
The students also stressed the importance of accepting criticism positively, saying it helps athletes improve and achieve higher standards.
The team’s success was guided by coaches Navneet Thakur and Vijesh Verma, whose training and mentorship played a key role in the players’ performances.Congratulating the students, Principal Reuben T. John said the achievement reflected the school’s motto, “Altiora Peto” (I Seek Higher Things).“This is not just a story of winning medals but of dedication, discipline and the pursuit of excellence. We are confident our students will continue to make the school, Himachal Pradesh and the nation proud at the national level,” he said.
