The opening ceremony of the 8th Armaan Dogra Memorial Football Global Inter-school Football Tournament took place on the 15th of December 2015 at DPS R.K.Puram. It is an annual event held in the memory of Armaan Dogra, a meritorious student who passed away in an unfortunate incident in Saudi Arabia on the 12th of June, 2008. Armaan was an all-rounder in the true sense of the word. Not only did he play football passionately, he also excelled in lawn tennis, skating, swimming, and table tennis. He was also a great dancer and singer. The ‘Armaan Dogra Best all-rounder award for the most outstanding student of class 8’ is given in his memory.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp. The Principal, Dr. D.R.Saini felicitated the Chief Guest, Dr. M.C. Mishra, Director at AIIMS and Chief of JPN Apex Trauma Centre; and the guest of honour, Mr.Anadi Barua, the chief coach of the national women’s senior football team who is also a FIFA diploma holder in coaching. According to Dr.Saini, though Armaan is not with us now his fond memories are cherished by one and all. Also present at the event were Armaan’s parents, Dr.P.N.Dogra and his wife along with other family members; the Vice Principals, Mrs. Shobha Mehta, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, Ms.Padma Srinivasan; Headmistress, Ms. Anita Singh, and Mr.N.Suresh, the Head of the Physical Education department.
The chief guest, Dr. M.C. Mishra administered the oath to the participants. He remarked that the initiative was not only an opportunity for children to participate and learn the qualities of teaming up, but also a great way to remember the dear departed. He complimented the parents of Armaan, and the school for the efforts. An enthralling classical dance performance was followed by a mellifluous composition by the school choir. Dr. P.N. Dogra, father of Armaan Dogra and Head of Department of Urology, AIIMS, spoke of the great memories he held with his son and how the tournament aimed at promoting football, while also cherishing his son’s passion for the sport.
The guests were introduced to the team members and the much anticipated match began with the release of balloons. The inaugural match took place between the host school, DPS R.K. Puram and DPS Mathura Road.
The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks by the Vice Principal, Mrs. Shobha Mehta. The tournament continues till the 18th of December, 2015.
Opening match played between DPS R K Puram V/s DPS Mathura Road. DPS R K Puram defeated DPS Mathura Road by 5-4 in the tie breaker. In another match MNSS Rai, Sonepat defeated Iragi School, Vasant Kunj by 3-0.