AHB’s Athletes Set Sights on National Glory

Shimla, Aug. 01 : Auckland House School for Boys has added another glorious chapter to its sporting legacy, with six basketball players and one athlete earning the honour of representing the region at the CISCE National Championships.
Representing Team Himachal Pradesh, the school’s basketball team emerged CISCE Regional Champions, defeating Muktsar Sahib (49–22), Delhi NCR (45–30) in the semi-final and Gurdaspur (47–24) in the final. The stellar performance earned Arhan Shah, Antriksh, Naman, Varanya, Viraj and Sannat selection for the CISCE National Basketball Championship.
Adding to the celebrations, Class IX student Rudra Dogra qualified for the CISCE National Athletics Championship after finishing second in the Under-17 400 metres, reinforcing the school’s growing reputation for sporting excellence.
For Class XII student Arhan Shah, the basketball team’s captain, the achievement is a result of discipline as much as talent. Having represented at the national level before, he hopes to pursue sports professionally at the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior, before fulfilling his dream of representing India.
“Discipline made the difference,” Arhan said. “One of the best decisions by our Principal, Mr. Reuben T. John, was keeping us away from mobile phones during the tournament. It helped us bond as a team, stay focused and play for each other. That unity helped us create history.”
Inspired by his elder brother, Arhan believes every challenge is an opportunity to improve.
For young sprinter Rudra Dogra, qualifying for the nationals has been a defining moment. “I’ve discovered that speed is my biggest strength. Every race teaches me something new, and my goal is to one day represent India,” he said.
Despite competing in different disciplines, both athletes share the same outlook.
“Criticism should never discourage you. Accept it positively because it pushes you to become better,” they said, adding that the school motto, “Altiora Peto”—”I seek higher things,” inspires them to keep striving for excellence.
The success reflects the dedicated guidance of coaches Mr. Navneet Thakur and Mr. Vijesh Verma, whose mentorship has helped shape the school’s sporting culture.
Congratulating the students, Principal Mr. Reuben T. John said, “These achievements embody the spirit of Altiora Peto. Our students have shown that discipline, humility and perseverance lead to excellence. As they step onto the national stage, they carry with them not only the aspirations of the school but also the pride of Himachal Pradesh. We wish them every success.”
As AHSB prepares to cheer its young stars at the national championships, the message is clear: the pursuit of higher things is not merely the school’s motto but it is a way of life.