St Philomena Premier League (SPL) Season 5 Kicks Off at St Philomena College (Autonomous)
Puttur, 5 May 2025: 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 Mr. Mamachan M., President of the Karnataka State Physical Education Teachers’ Association, who officially declared the tournament open. In his address, he lauded the St Philomena grounds as a cradle of sporting talent, having nurtured athletes who have excelled 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 College’s Physical Education Director, 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 individuals such as 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 over 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 past four years, drawing enthusiastic participation from student cricketers. Each of the ten teams has student team owners, 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 Mr. Habeeb Maani, Student Council President Mr. Hexon Fernandes, and Sports Secretary Mr. 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.
