7 former Josephites honoured with Hall of Fame recognition

Josexcel awards given away to old boys for feats in sports

 The auditorium at St Joseph's Boys' High School resonated with applause as the alumni recalled fond memories at the first edition of 'Josephite Excellence in Sports' (Josexcel) awards ceremony on Saturday.

As many as seven old boys were given ‘Hall of Fame’ recognition for their achievements in various sports like hockey, cricket and yachting.

A R Vece Paes, who represented Bengal in hockey from 1964-82, was one of the seven winners. Reminiscing school memories, Paes said: "I have mixed feelings right now. The event has taken me back to one of my childhood memories. I used to play sports at the school ground when I was six, two years after joining school."

Commander Tehmasp Moghul, a 1953 batch student, beamed with joy as he was bestowed with the recognition. Moghul represented India in yachting at 1972 Munich Olympics in Germany.

He had a word of advice for students: “Take sports seriously and select what is within your ability. Do not try to overstretch or do what is not in your limits. All the best.”

The five other winners were late Keki B Tarapore, Salus Peter Nazareth, Cecil Fullinfaw, Patrick Jansen and Freddie Nicholas Dias. Members from their families received the awards on their behalf. 

Colin Nazareth, son of late Salus Peter Nazareth who had excelled in cricket, told DH: “I am feeling pleased to accept the hall of fame recognition on my father’s behalf.” Young golf player Trishul Chinnappa, a former student of the school, was awarded on the occasion. Besides this, the present batch of students who excelled in sports, were also recognised.

The highlight of the event that was organised by the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) of St Joseph’s Boys’ High School, was Josephite Rahul Dravid congratulating the awardees through a short video message.

To be annual event

“For the first time ever, (Josexcel) awards were given away and we want to make it an annual tradition. The Hall of Fame plaques featuring the achievements of seven awarded alumni will be put up at the Sports Complex within the school premises,” said OBA president, Shashi Lewis.