Archdiocese of Nagpur Ignites Youth Spirit with First YUVA IGNIS Sports Carnival

Nagpur, March 3, 2026: In a vibrant celebration of youthful energy and unity, the Archdiocese of Nagpur hosted its first-ever archdiocesan sports carnival, YUVA IGNIS 2026 – Fuel the Fire, Rule the Ground, at the SFS School premises, marking a milestone in organised youth engagement.

Held under the leadership of Bishop Elias Gonsalves, the initiative underscored the importance of teamwork, discipline and healthy competition as essential elements of holistic formation. The event sought to channel the enthusiasm of young people into a spirit of fellowship and constructive rivalry.

The carnival was organised by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement Nagpur (ICYM) under the guidance of Fr. Augustine Antony Dsilva, Diocesan Youth Director, with the support of the diocesan executive committee (DEXCO). Careful planning and coordination ensured a well-managed and inclusive platform for youth participation across the archdiocese.

Participation from parishes was robust, with 21 teams competing in major team events—10 in Futsal and 11 in Box Cricket. Individual sporting disciplines also witnessed enthusiastic response, as more than 140 young participants registered for Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis, Badminton and track events.

The competitions were conducted with fairness and professionalism, aided by the dedicated involvement of seminarian brothers who officiated and supervised the matches throughout the programme.

Beyond medals and match results, YUVA IGNIS 2026 fostered a deeper sense of archdiocesan unity and camaraderie. More than a contest of skill, it became a celebration of shared faith and youthful dynamism. The success of the inaugural edition has laid a strong foundation for what promises to become a continuing sports tradition in the Archdiocese of Nagpur.

By Mr. Aaron J. Daniel

General Secretary

ICYM Nagpur