A hall buzzing with energy and excitement. Last-minute discussions of tactics and game plans. That was how the day began on Saturday 5th of April, as the annual Swayamsevak Khel Pratiyogita kicked off. With over 1350 attendees hailing from 46 nagars, all gathered under one roof, even the gargantuan facilities at Loughborough University seemed cramped, as uncles, fathers, and brothers cheered each other on, filling the venue with an aura that we see only once a year.

Starting with kho-kho, where the speed and agility of the Swayamsevaks meant they were zipping across the pitch in mere seconds. There were dives to the left, right, and centre, even from the inaugural Year 8 and below age group, a way of encouraging competition within the younger years.

It was mesmerising to watch as Swayamsevaks pulled off ridiculous dodges, effortlessly squeezing past chasers and getting amazing dream runs. I played kho-kho, and it was brilliant to see the raw emotions, as many brushed off their bloodied knees from the dives as being just a part of the game.

Moving on to the ever-intense kabaddi, which continued last year’s format of encouraging younger secondary school players to take part, by having a Year 7-9 age group. The sheer physicality of the players was a remarkable sight, with ground-shaking tackles and desperate scrambles to get back to the midline. The pressure was also enhanced by the presence of Mr Ashok Das, the president of the England Kabaddi Association (EKA), who many were looking to impress. But most of all, kabaddi brought out the warrior spirit within players, pushing them to make courageous efforts to catch and avoid being caught.

That brings us to the game of Ring, a sport that requires far more tactical prowess than physical, but this too did not disappoint. Watching as players hurled the ring from person to person and end to end was invigorating. The largely Yuva age group seemed to become young again, sprinting after the ring at a pace that would give the Kishore a run for their money. Ring is a sport that requires exceptionally good observational skills, which the teams demonstrated brilliantly, sensing their opponents’ moves as if they had grown eyes in the back of their heads.

And last but not least, football – the beautiful game that brings excitement to so many footballs and foot-balaks. These future Ronaldos and Messis held nothing back, battling it out on the Astro with great ferocity. Whether it was an insane diving save, a rocket of a shot, or an ankle-breaking skill, the matches had it all. While not a shakha sport, the countless practice sessions and shareerik had certainly paid off, turning them into goal-scoring and saving machines. It also gave a sense of promise for the future, as these very baals will go on to transfer their traits towards the other khels.

As a whole, this was an awe-inspiring event – a blatant show of skill, speed and strength. Being able to witness and take part in such an event under the banner of Sangh and the guidance of the Bhagwa Dhwaj is something that we shouldn’t take for granted. But what stood out the most was that between matches, players from different teams ceased to be opponents, but instead became brothers, laughing and bantering as if they weren’t just competing a few minutes ago. This spirit of sportsmanship and brotherhood is what makes us who we are, turning us from ordinary people to Swayamsevaks. Being able to celebrate others’ victory as our own is our strength and something that we should never let go of.

Harshvardhan Amane, Leamington Spa – RamaKrishna Branch HSS (UK)