Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Aloysian Games 2026 were officially inaugurated at St Aloysius University on Friday afternoon, marking the commencement of one of the region’s largest inter-school and inter-collegiate sports tournaments. The inauguration ceremony was held at 1 pm on the University campus and was attended by students, faculty members, sports enthusiasts, and guests.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of Rev Fr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius Deemed to be University, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, along with Mr Asit Kulkarni, Business Head of Sports Reconnect.
Over 2,000 participants across institutions
The two-day sporting extravaganza, scheduled for January 9 and 10, has drawn participation from over 2,000 athletes representing schools, high schools, PUCs, colleges, institutions, and universities from Mangaluru and neighbouring towns. The large turnout highlights the growing popularity of organised competitive sports among young people in the region.
The tournament is open to the public, and organisers have invited citizens to visit the campus to witness high-energy competitions across multiple disciplines. In addition to sporting events, the venue also features food stalls, recreational games, and shopping kiosks, creating a festive atmosphere for participants and visitors alike.
Promoting sports culture among youth
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration, Mr Asit Kulkarni described the Aloysian Games as a significant initiative aimed at promoting sports, fitness, and an active lifestyle among youngsters. He said the event brings together students from school level to university level on a single platform, encouraging healthy competition and camaraderie.
He expressed confidence that the Aloysian Games has the potential to evolve into a marquee student sports event in South India. Mr Kulkarni also invited the public to take part in the Aloysian Run, scheduled for January 18, for which registrations are currently open.
Pickleball introduced for the first time
A major highlight of Aloysian Games 2026 is the introduction of pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, being launched for the first time at an educational institution in Mangaluru. Three outdoor pickleball courts will be inaugurated on Saturday, January 10, at 1 pm, adding a new dimension to the city’s sports infrastructure.
The pickleball facility will be accessible to the public through the ZEMO web app, enabling wider community participation and encouraging citizens of all age groups to explore the sport. Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained global popularity for its accessibility and fitness benefits, as noted in discussions on Pickleball.
University reiterates commitment to sports excellence
In his address, Rev Fr Praveen Martis reaffirmed St Aloysius University’s long-standing commitment to nurturing sports talent and promoting holistic education. He congratulated Sports Reconnect and ZEMO for their role in organising the tournament and thanked all partners for supporting the initiative.
He also extended an open invitation to citizens and families to be part of the Aloysian Games celebrations, emphasising that the University campus is a shared space for learning, sports, and community engagement.
Support from multiple partners
The organisers expressed gratitude to all supporting partners who contributed to the successful organisation of the Games. These include the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports as the Institutional Partner, Decathlon as the Sports Partner, Zixa as the Pain Relief Partner, Red FM 93.5 as the Radio Partner, Lite Eatz as the Bakery Partner, and Perfect Pass as the Arena Partner.
Their collaboration, organisers said, has helped ensure professional event management, athlete support, and an engaging experience for spectators.
A celebration of youth, fitness, and community
Aloysian Games 2026 stands out not only as a competitive sports meet but also as a celebration of youth energy, fitness, and community spirit. With a diverse range of sporting events, the introduction of new facilities, and active public participation, the tournament reflects the growing sports culture in Mangaluru.
The University hopes that initiatives such as the Aloysian Games will inspire more young people to pursue sports alongside academics, contributing to physical well-being, discipline, and teamwork.