Good morning, Chairperson of this Programme and Managing Director of Our

School Mr. Ram Basent, Chief Guest of this inaugural session, and Former Captain
of our National Cricket team Mr. Paras Khadka, Special Guest and Chairperson of
our School Madam Sheetal Rana, Our Administrative Incharge Mr. Niraj Bickram
Rana, …… all the teachers, guests and participants who have gathered here today
for this grand sporting event.

I am deeply honored to be the Principal of The Excelsior School and to have the
privilege of addressing this inaugural session. Personally, and on behalf of my
institution, I would like to welcome you to this grand opening session. Your
presence here today demonstrates your commitment and passion for sports, and I
am proud of each and every one of you.

Here today we have our chief Guest Mr. Paras Khadka who has made history by
bringing Nepali cricket to a new visible height from the rudimentary stage. He was
the leading force, a miraculous guide, and a true witness of mega changes in
Nepali cricket. He led the team from league five to ODI status. It is a happy
occasion for us, this miraculous leader is going to inaugurate our critsal today. We
too want to add a small stone on the wall of Nepali sports. We have hope that one
day, we will be able to say that this national player was playing here at the
Excelsior School.

I have drawn this power to say and make a claim because our Managing Director
Ram Basnet sir is a sports enthusiast. He is a true driving force with implanting
vision among all of us. His love for sports has made it possible to bring out this
annual interschool tournament. Since its commencement in 2012, we have been
able to organize the event annually except in those two covid affected years
recently. Now we have bounced back leaving covid-pandemic behind. Now, we
are back to the ground and court with vision and commitment.

As the Principal of this school, I strongly believe that sports play a crucial role in
the overall development of students. It helps them to build self-confidence, develop
teamwork skills, and teaches them the importance of discipline and perseverance.
As the great basketball player Michael Jordan once said, "I've missed more than
9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to
take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life.
And that is why I succeed."

Sports also help to foster a healthy and active lifestyle, which is crucial for the
overall well-being of students. This is a fundamental aspect of education, and we
must encourage our students to engage in physical activity as much as possible. In
the words of the famous tennis player Serena Williams, "Sport has the power to
change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a
way that little else does."

"Sports do not build character, they reveal it." When we play sports, we learn about
our strengths and weaknesses, and we learn how to work together as a team. This
not only helps us develop physically, but it also helps us grow as individuals.

During this tournament, we will see some young athletes competing to their full
potential, leaving behind all the barriers. They will represent their schools and
show the spirit of sportsmanship, displaying the qualities of fair play, respect for
opponents, and graciousness in victory or defeat.

This sporting event is not just about winning and losing, it's about coming together,
building relationships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The students
who are participating in this tournament are the future of our country and it's
events like these that will help them grow into responsible and successful citizens.

I know the athletes participating in this tournament are the embodiment of sporting
spirit, and I have no doubt that they will make us proud. With such hope, I again
would like to welcome you all and wish you all the best.

Thank you!