Puttur: The much-anticipated St Philomena Premier League (SPL) 2025 - Season 5 cricket tournament was ceremoniously inaugurated at the St Philomena College (Autonomous) grounds under the aegis of the Department of Physical Education on Monday.
The inauguration began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mamachan M., President, Karnataka State Physical Education Teachers’ Association, who declared the tournament open. In his address, he lauded St Philomena grounds as a cradle of sports talents who have shone at the state, national, and even international levels. “Let the aspirations of budding athletes be fulfilled on this ground,” he remarked. Referring to the recent achievement of Chris Angelo, son of the Physical Education Director of the College, who scored a century in the Under-16 zonal level cricket tournament, he expressed pride and called it a source of motivation. “When we promote sports, academic growth follows too,” he added.
Dr Norbert Mascarenhas, Registrar (Academics), highlighted the symbolic sanctity of the college ground. “This field is sanctified by the sweat, toil, and dreams of several athletes who fell, rose, and eventually carved a name for themselves,” he said. Paying tribute to the silent contributors to this legacy, he acknowledged the sacrifices of people like Major Venkataramayya, former directors of physical education, and many benefactors. “Let us accept both victory and defeat with equanimity,” he urged.
Presiding over the inaugural function, Dr Vijayakumar Moleyar, Vice Principal, said that the SPL has been instrumental in nurturing a spirit of sportsmanship among students for the past four years. “Thousands have played on this ground, but few have reached international acclaim. We must learn from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and understand the path of discipline, humility, and perseverance,” he advised. Urging the players to maintain harmony, he added, “Shake hands after the match. Let sports not create enmity, but unity.”
The ten teams competing in the SPL 2025 tournament are: Team Heat Waves, The GOATs, Team Agastya, Agni Brothers, Squadron X D’Croz, Philo Hawks, Astro Monks, Call Drax, TM TXM, and the College Faculty Team.
Modelled on the IPL format, the SPL has been an annual sporting attraction for the last four years, drawing huge enthusiasm from student cricketers. Each of the ten teams has team owners (students), icon players, and was formed through a competitive bidding process. Under the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal, the selection and organizational process was meticulously conducted by Dr Elias Pinto, ensuring transparency and student participation at all levels.
Kabaddi coach Habeeb Maani, Student Council President Hexon Fernandes, and Sports Secretary Anwesh Rai were also present on the dais. Dr Elias Pinto, Director of Physical Education, welcomed the gathering, proposed the vote of thanks, and compered the programme.