The Fr. Eddie Memorial Inter‑School Knock‑Out Football Tournament (Under-17 Boys) organised by the Paulites of Belgaum Worldwide (PBW) in conjunction with St. Paul’s High School, Belagavi is set to enter its 57th chapter, beginning on 25 October 2025 at the St. Paul’s PU College Ground, Camp, Belagavi.
Established in memory of S.J., a beloved Vice-Principal at St. Paul’s who died in 1965 after a motorcycle accident, the tournament was conceived to honour his dual passions: as a dedicated teacher, and as an avid sportsman with a special love for football.
Fr. Eddie had himself studied at the school and served there with distinction; his keen interest in athletics, discipline, and character-building among the students led the alumni (through Br. Eric D’Silva S.J.) to set up this memorial football event soon after his passing.
Thus, the tournament’s purpose is two-fold: to commemorate Fr. Eddie’s legacy, and to provide a robust platform for young footballers to display their skills, build sportsmanship and moral character in his spirit.
Over the years, this competition has become a landmark event in the Belagavi and surrounding school-sports landscape—recognised as one of the longest-running and most prestigious inter-school football tournaments in the region.
This year’s edition also introduces a new dimension: for the first time, the Nisha Chhabria Memorial Inter‑School Knock‑Out Football Tournament (Under-17 Girls) will be held. Sponsored by the Chhabria family (Big Ventures), this addition signals a strong commitment to youth sports, inclusivity, and gender equity, honouring the memory of the late Nisha Chhabria—an education and youth development supporter.
The boys’ tournament this year features 26 schools, while 11 schools are entered in the girls’ competition—making for one of the most eagerly awaited school-sports events of the year. Matches will take place at St. Paul’s PU College Ground, delivering an exciting atmosphere for players and audiences alike.
“This tournament not only celebrates football but also the values of unity, discipline and fair-play — the same ideals that shaped generations of Paulites,” the organisers say.
The opening ceremony will take place on 25 October 2025 at the venue.
Being a Paulite, the Principal made me run many times for my son’s admission. I got an admission elsewhere. Also there is no charm left of St.Paul’s as before. Admissions have fallen and nobody is interested in my Almamater. I was in 8th when fr.Eddie died. It was thursday, I remember. Hope the school regains it’s glamour as it is dingy now. Sad to say that but one cannot ignore the truth.
Dear Sir and Senior Paulite,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts so frankly. I truly appreciate your honesty and your deep concern for our beloved Alma Mater. Only someone who genuinely loves St. Paul’s would express such feelings.
As a parent and teacher myself, I can understand your disappointment and anxiety when your son could not secure admission to the very institution that helped shape you into the person you are today. That must have been painful.
I am sure you will agree that the St. Paul’s of the 1980s and the St. Paul’s of 2026 exist in very different times. Today, schools function under numerous government policies, regulations, legal requirements, and changing expectations from society. The freedom teachers once had to mould, discipline, and mentor students has changed considerably. In our days, our teachers corrected us firmly because they genuinely wanted the best for us. Today, even raising one’s voice to discipline a child can invite complaints and scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, I can confidently say that our teachers and my colleagues here in St. Paul’s continue to work with remarkable dedication. Their responsibilities do not end when the school bell rings—they carry work home, spend countless hours preparing lessons, correcting books, and caring for their students. Sadly, teaching has become one of the most demanding and least appreciated professions.
No institution is perfect, and every school goes through phases of growth and challenges. However, I still believe that the Jesuit values, the spirit of Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, and the commitment to forming young men and women of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment remain at the heart of St. Paul’s.
Like you, I sincerely pray and hope that our dear Alma Mater regains even greater glory in the years ahead. As Paulites, let us continue to encourage, support, and pray for our dear school that has given us so much. Constructive criticism, combined with our goodwill and support, can help St. Paul’s continue to grow and serve future generations. God bless you Sir.
Warm regards,
Deepak Pillay
Class of 1985 & Staff member