Outstanding sporting performances by secondary school students were recognised today at the inaugural National School Sports Award 2026, held at the Paul Octave Wiehe Auditorium in Réduit following the Intercollege Sports Competitions (ICSC) 2026.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; the Minister of Education and Human Resource, Dr Mahend Gungapersad; Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Gilbert Tony Apollon; as well as rectors, educators, coaches, students and parents.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education and Human Resource, the ICSC brought together students in seven disciplines: athletics, badminton, basketball, football, swimming, table tennis and volleyball.
In his address, Minister Nagalingum highlighted the importance of the reintroduction of intercollege sports competitions in supporting the holistic development of students. He underlined the contribution of sports to physical fitness and mental well-being, while helping young people develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership and resilience.
Sport, he added, is also a powerful unifying force and an important cultural cement for “Mauritianism”, bringing together young people from different communities across the country.
For his part, Minister Gungapersad emphasised that education extends beyond academic achievement and should provide opportunities for students to engage in sports, music, dance, drama, painting, slam and other areas of personal development.
He also highlighted the role of sport in keeping young people away from drugs and other harmful influences, noting that investment in youth sports contributes to healthier communities and helps equip young people with skills that can benefit them throughout their education, careers and lives.
Students and schools recognised
In each of the seven disciplines, individual winners received a trophy, certificate of achievement and a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
In athletics, the best female athlete was from Loretto College of Quatre Bornes, while the best male athlete was from Dr Regis Chaperon SSS. The best female badminton player was from Dukesbridge Secondary School, while the male award went to a student from James Burty David SSS.
In basketball, the Most Valuable Player awards went to students from Le Bocage International School in the female category and Collège du St Esprit Quatre Bornes in the male category. In football, the female award was won by Le Bocage International School, while the male award went to Collège du St Esprit Rivière Noire. The best female swimmer was from Le Bocage International School and the best male swimmer from Queen Elizabeth College.
In table tennis, the best female player was from Loretto College of Quatre Bornes, while the male award went to Le Bocage International School. In volleyball, the Most Valuable Player awards were presented to students from Loretto College of Quatre Bornes in the female category and Collège du St Esprit Quatre Bornes in the male category.
School awards were also presented. Loretto College of Quatre Bornes was named Best Female School after securing 11 gold, six silver and five bronze medals, while St Mary’s College was named Best Male School with six gold, two silver and six bronze medals. Each winning school received a trophy, certificate and Rs 50,000 cash prize.
The National School Sports Award 2026 represents a new initiative to formally recognise sporting excellence following the ICSC. First introduced in 2025, the ICSC provides secondary school students with a structured platform to compete and develop their sporting abilities, with the 2026 edition further expanding participation opportunities.
The competition was open to boys and girls aged 12 to 21 across different categories. A new Benjamin Boys and Girls category was also introduced for 12- and 13-year-olds in athletics, table tennis and badminton, encouraging younger students to take part in competitive sport and providing an additional avenue for recognising sporting achievements.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Mauritius.