In a monumental achievement for school sports, Rajveer Laddha, a Grade 5th student at Pawar Public School, Chandivali, brought international glory to both his institution and the nation.
Representing India at the prestigious ‘St. John Paul II International Football Festival 2026’, held in Sri Lanka. The young athlete demonstrated extraordinary skill, stamina, and sportsmanship on the pitch.
Rajveer was selected for the national squad under the expert mentorship of Prof. Pradip Bhattacharya, former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha, 2023) and President of the renowned Andheri Football Academy. Under this high-caliber guidance, Rajveer joined a talent-filled squad set on making a mark internationally.
The tournament proved to be a resounding success for the Indian contingent. Outplaying strong competition from across the region, Team India delivered a series of electrifying performances to clinch the coveted First Position. In recognition of their outstanding athletic display and sportsmanship throughout the festival, the victorious Indian team was officially felicitated by the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka – a magnificent honor that capped off a historic tournament.
Back home, the news was met with jubilation. Rajveer’s journey from the school training grounds to an international victory serves as a shining testament to his dedication, rigorous discipline, and unwavering passion for football. His ability to perform with such composure on a global platform highlights his immense future potential in the sport.
The entire community at Pawar Public School, Chandivali – including the management, teachers, and fellow students – expressed tremendous pride. The school extended its warmest congratulations to Rajveer for bringing home the championship trophy, making both his alma mater and India proud, and wished him continued success as he climbs even greater heights in his athletic career.



Kudos to Avartan Powai for highlighting and celebrating our local sporting heroes. Stories like these inspire the next generation.