FR. THOMAS SALVE MEMORIAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
St. Xavier’s School, Kolhapur hosted a Football tournament in memory of Late Fr. Thomas Salve in collaboration with the alumni association, XESOKOP.
On the 20th and 21st of September 2025, the event was graced by Chief-Guest, Hon. Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati, Member of Women’s Football Federation, New Delhi.
The event began with a grand opening ceremony in the school quadrangle featuring a traditional bugle, school anthem and prayer.
The gathering of present and Ex-students created a nostalgic atmosphere bringing together the Xaviers family.
The Dais was honoured by the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Hon. Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati, Rev. Fr Andrew Fernandes SJ, Principal, Rev. Fr Francis D’Souza SJ, Superior & Manager of St. Xavier’s High School, Rev. Fr Francis Raja SJ, Vice Principal, St. Vincent’s High School, Pune, Mr Dilip Mohite, President, Mr. Pravin Solanki, Treasurer & Mr. Rajiv Lingras, Managing Committee Member of Xesakop, along with Dr. Abhijeet Korane & Mr Richard Fernandes, Ex-President of JAAI-WZC and many others.
Hon. Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati shared heartfelt memories of her experiences with Late Rev. Fr. Thomas Salve SJ during his tenure at Chhatrapati Shahu School . She highlighted Fr. Tom’s contribution to the school’s growth and nurturing environment. She also emphasized of the hard work and dedication, attributes instilled in her by her teachers.
The assembly concluded with a speech by the Principal Rev. Fr. Andrew Fernandes, felicitation of dignitaries with mementos and the display of the Champion trophy.
The tournament was declared open with a vibrant ceremony featuring the release of the balloons and the ceremonial kick off by our esteemed dignitaries.
A Total of 22 teams participated in the tournament showcasing the enthusiasm and spirit of the Xavier’s community.
On the first day 32 matches were played including thrilling performances by the girl’s team from St. Xavier’s school. it was heart-warming to see xavierites of all ages come together on the field displaying their passion for the sport and the school, the energy and excitement were palpablemaking the event a true celebration of football and camaraderie, the ex-students were overjoyed with nostalgic reliving fond memories as they played on the grounds of their Alma Mater, once again with their fellow batchmates. The atmosphere was electric filled with excitement laughter and a sense of camaraderie making the event a truly special experience.
On the 21st the tournament reached its climax with the semi-finals and finals, each team gave their best, showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship, the ground buzzed with excitement as the families of the players gathered to cheer them on. Kids beamed with pride watching their dads play on familiar ground adding to the joyous atmosphere.The teams that qualified for the finals were the warrior batch of 2017 and the Golden Jubilee batch of 2007-2008.
The match was incredibly intense with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination.
The ground was electric filled with cheers and clapping from the enthusiastic crowd.
The match ended with a tie breaker and the stage was set for a penalty shoot-out. the silence that followed was palpable reflecting the pressure and tension.
The evenings prize distribution ceremony was a grand affair with Rev. Fr. Andrew Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Francis Dsouza and the alumni association members presenting the awards.
The 1995 batch was recognized as the best disciplined team, the best goal keeper was bagged by Mr. Vedant Shinde and Mr. Kaushik Adhani as the Best player.
The Champions of the late Rev. Fr. Thomas Salve SJ trophy were the Warrior batch of 2017 with a 2-0 win through the penalty shoot-out.
The ceremony concluded on a heart-warming note leaving everyone with a deep sense of gratitude towards the school, bringing together the Xavier’s community in a celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Lots of memories of late Fr. Thomas Salve was shared by the Ex-students.
We thank God and the organisers for excellent coordination and execution of the plan.
May the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork foster unity to full-fill the dreams of the late Rev.
Fr. Thomas Salve SJ.
Our mission is to make our students and ex-students grow in virtue and work.
In Gratitude
St. Xavier’s High School
Kolhapur
