The National School Games’ A Division boys’ title came to an exhilarating conclusion on May 15th, as Victoria Junior College (VJC) secured a thrilling victory, with goalkeeper T.S. Deyveekan taking centre stage. Despite the need for ACL surgery, Deyveekan’s decision to postpone the operation until after the championship match proved to be a wise one, as his outstanding performance in the penalty shootout secured a 3-2 win against Raffles Institution (RI) following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Sengkang Hockey Stadium.
VJC’s triumph was a significant accomplishment, not only reclaiming the A boys’ title for the first time since 2016 but also avenging their 4-0 defeat to RI in the 2023 final. The victory also signalled the end of RI’s five-year reign as champions.
Deyveekan, who joined the team in July 2023 as a reserve goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Despite initial concerns and lack of experience, he delivered a standout performance, making three crucial saves during the penalty shootout.
The goalkeeper’s determination to continue playing despite his ACL injury, combined with rigorous training and preparation, ultimately paid off when his saves sealed VJC’s victory. His commitment and bravery were truly exceptional and were instrumental in the team’s championship win.
In addition to Deyveekan’s heroic performance, vice-captain Siddarth Sundarajan’s winning penalty highlighted the team’s resilience and mental fortitude. Their victory reflected the team’s strong determination and desire to overcome last season’s final loss.
VJC’s outstanding achievement was also a testament to the cohesive and supportive team dynamic fostered by assistant coach Mohd Iskandar, who emphasised the importance of unity and mutual feedback among team members. This collective effort played a significant role in VJC’s historic win.
Although RI captain Thievyan Koban expressed disappointment over the loss, he acknowledged his team’s commendable performance and their unwavering determination until the very end. Both teams exhibited exceptional sportsmanship and demonstrated their commitment to the game.
Overall, the match was a thrilling display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship, with VJC emerging as deserving champions in the A Division boys’ hockey tournament. The victory was a result of unwavering commitment, resilience, and a true team effort, marking a significant milestone for Victoria Junior College and their outstanding players.