DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL, MATUNGA U-15 HOCKEY TEAM CROWNED DSO-NEHRU CUP STATE-LEVEL CHAMPIONS.

Mr. Barrington Serrao

The Don Bosco High School, Matunga U-15 Hockey Team has brought immense pride to the school by emerging as DSO State-Level Champions at the prestigious Nehru Cup Hockey Tournament, held from 28th to 30th September 2026 at Gautam Public School, Kolpewadi, Ahilyanagar.

Representing Mumbai, the young Don Bosco hockey stars displayed exceptional skill, determination, discipline and composure throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten on their path to the coveted State-level title.

In the quarter-final, Don Bosco faced Nagpur and produced a commanding performance, securing a resounding 6–0 victory. Their attacking strength and disciplined play set the tone for an impressive championship campaign.

The semi-final against Latur was a closely contested encounter. Demonstrating patience, tactical maturity and determination, the Mumbai side secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory, earning their place in the State-level final.

The final against Gautam Public School, Ahilyanagar, proved to be a thrilling and fiercely contested battle. Both teams displayed tremendous defensive discipline, and neither side could find the breakthrough as the match ended 0–0 in regulation time.

The championship was therefore decided by a penalty shootout.

Under immense pressure, Don Bosco's goalkeeper Royston Lobo rose magnificently to the occasion. With outstanding reflexes, confidence and composure, Royston produced crucial saves to keep the opposition from scoring and played a pivotal role in guiding Don Bosco to victory.

Adding to the team's memorable triumph, Clyde Mendonca and Daksh Gaikwad showed tremendous composure while taking their penalties and converted successfully. Their performance, coupled with their excellent sportsmanship and team spirit, reflected the character of the Don Bosco side. The shootout was secured with a 2–0 victory, with the decisive scoring contribution from the Don Bosco penalty takers and outstanding goalkeeping by Royston Lobo.

Special appreciation goes to Coach Javed for his tremendous hard work, dedication and commitment in training and guiding the team throughout the tournament. His guidance, tactical preparation and constant encouragement played an important role in the team's outstanding success.

With this remarkable victory, the Don Bosco High School, Matunga U-15 Hockey Team has now qualified for the Nehru Cup Nationals, which will be held in New Delhi from 20th October 2026.

We wish our talented boys the very best as they take on the national stage. May they continue to play with the same determination, discipline and team spirit, and bring further glory and pride to Don Bosco High School, Matunga. We are immensely proud of them and wish the entire team success at the Nationals!

Congratulations to our young champions on bringing the DSO State-Level Championship title home to Don Bosco High School, Matunga!