The 11th Gayatri Devi Goenka Memorial Basketball Tournament 2019 was held at G. D. Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, from 16th October to 24th October 2019. The invitational tournament has received tremendous support and enthusiasm in the city and this year twenty four teams participated and showcased the best talent in the sport of Basketball. Twelve boys’ teams and twelve girls’ teams played fast-paced matches that were closely contested. Seven days were filled with a lot of excitement, cheering, fun and high voltage athletic performances. All matches were played under the guidance and supervision of the officials of the Basketball Federation of India. All the coaches and team members adhered to the spirit of sportsmanship. New friendships and camaraderie flourished on the court! All the students had one thing in common: their passion for Basketball.
The Principal, Mrs. Meenakshi Bhakuni, encouraged the teams to think as champions. She motivated them with the words: “Compete hard, indulge in fair play, respect the game and also the opposition.” The Vice Principal, Mr. Rajender Shah, ensured that the matches were played in the most motivating atmosphere where the bar was raised by an ex-Goenkan team of professional Basketball players who played some outstanding matches to inspire the school teams.
The Second Runner Up Trophy, Boys, was bagged by New Green Fields School, Saket. The Second Runner Up Trophy, Girls, went to St. Paul’s School, Hauz Khas. The First Runner Up, Boys, was the team from ITL Public School, Dwarka and the team from DPS, Vasant Kunj was the First Runner Up, Girls.
The tournament winners were G. D. Goenka Public School’s Girls’ team and G. D. Goenka Public School’s Boys’ team!!!!
The Tournament Champions received their glittering trophies, gift certificates and mementos from the Principal and the Vice Principal at the closing ceremony of the tournament. Awards for Fairplay, Most Promising Player and Most Talented Player were also given. All teams, coaches and officials were felicitated and the efforts of the Sports Department, Sports In-charge, Dr. Vibha Vashisht and coach, Mr. Mukesh Bhati were appreciated.