Muscat: The host institution, Indian School Muscat, emerged triumphant, claiming the coveted Overall Championship Trophy at the prestigious CBSE Oman Cluster Meet 2024-25. The Overall Runner-up Trophy was bagged by Indian School Wadi Kabir and the third place was secured by Indian School Salalah. 

The inaugural ceremony of the CBSE Oman Cluster Athletic Meet 2024-25, took place in Indian School Muscat on 6^th September, 2024. It was a grand event that showcased the athletic prowess of students from Indian schools across Oman. It was a grand-scale event, involving 600 athletes from 15 Indian schools, competing in a wide range of track and field events. Spanning across two exhilarating days, the event featured 21 meticulously organized athletic events, transforming the venue into a vibrant arena of speed, skill, and endurance.

The opening ceremony was a formal event graced by dignitaries, school officials, and sports enthusiasts. Mr. Syed Salman, Vice-Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, graced the inaugural function as the Chief Guest, accompanied by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Sherry Johny, Vice-Chairman, IT Subcommittee, Indian School Muscat Management Committee, esteemed Directors on the Board of Directors, distinguished members of the Indian School Muscat Management Committee, dignitaries, honourable Principal Mr. Rakesh Joshi, Principals of all participating schools, Senior Vice-Principal Administration, Vice-Principals and Assistant Vice-Principals of various sections,Heads of various Departments, teachers, esteemed guests, parents, event coordinators, umpires, coaches from different Indian schools, and athletes from all Indian schools in Oman joined in the proceedings.

After the welcome address by Steve Antony, Coordinator of Sports, the Athletic Meet was formally declared open by the Chief Guest who also hoisted the CBSE Oman Cluster flag, heralding the commencement of the extensive two-day event. Representing all the athletes, Hussain Hadi Hashir of the Student Council, took the oath pledging to pursue excellence and maintain the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Addressing the young athletes, the Chief Guest emphasized that while they may face hurdles and defeats, it is not the fall that defines them, but the courage to rise again that truly counts. He further added that real victory is achieved in giving their absolute best.

The valedictory ceremony for the CBSE Oman Cluster Athletic Meet 2024 was held on 7^th September 2024 in Indian School Muscat, marking the culmination of an exciting and action-packed two days athletic meet. 

The evening unfolded with a breathtaking display of athleticism, highlighted by the spectacular 4x100m relay events in both the Under-14 Boys and Under-14 Girls categories. These exhilarating races, marked by remarkable speed, precision, and teamwork, served as a resplendent finale to the two-day sporting extravaganza. 

Gracing the momentous occasion as the Chief Guest was the esteemed Dr. Siva Kumar Manickam, Chairman, the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman and complimenting the event with his distinguished presence as the Guest of Honour was the revered Mr. Zulfikar Hussain Desai, Co-convener, School Management Committee, Indian School Muscat, the distinguished members of the Board of Directors and the School Management Committee, honourable Principal, Mr. Rakesh Joshi and other school officials joined in the proceedings.

The Chief Guest Dr. Siva Kumar Manickam delivered an inspiring speech, praising the participants for their exceptional performances and encouraging them to continue pursuing excellence in sports. He highlighted the significance of sports in promoting teamwork, discipline, and resilience among the students.

The highlight of the valedictory ceremony was the distribution of medals, certificates, and trophies to the winners by the Chief Guest. 

The following students won the Individual Championship in different categories:

U -14 Boys Ishan Mohammed from Indian School Muladha, U-14 Girls Lavishka Jiss from Indian School Muscat, U-17 Boys Denzel Xavier from Indian School Boushar, U-17 Girls Shandra Jiss from Indian School Muscat, U-19 Boys Jiffon Alvin Jerry from Indian School Wadi Kabir, U-19 Girls Evelia Achsah Aneesh from Indian School Muscat. The awards were presented in the following categories – Under 14, Under 17, Under 19 boys and girls. Indian School Muscat clinched victory in all the six categories. 

The first and second position winners of the CBSE Oman Cluster Athletic Meet 2024-25 will represent their respective schools in the CBSE National Athletic Meet 2024-25 which will be held from 6^th to 10^th October 2024 at Varanasi, India.

A significant moment in the ceremony was the ceremonial lowering of the flag, which signified the official end of the Cluster Athletic Meet. The flag was respectfully lowered by the Athletic Coaches and was handed over to Mr. Harikrishna Pillai, Head of the Department, Physical Education, for safekeeping till the next CBSE Oman Cluster Athletic Meet 2025-26. 

Sports Coordinator, Nandana Vineesh, proposed the Vote of Thanks. The event concluded with the national anthem. Participants, guests, and officials left with fond memories and a sense of achievement, looking forward to future events with renewed enthusiasm.