Schools run by the Society of Jesus across India have produced several sports stalwarts such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni (St. Xavier's Ranchi), Rahul Dravid (St. Joseph's Commerce College, Bangalore), Sunil Gavaskar (St. Xavier's, Mumbai), V. Anand and the Amrithraj brothers (Loyola, Chennai).St. Patrick's School, Secunderabad, which celebrates its centenary this year, has its own share of sports luminaries. Standing tallest among them literally and figuratively is the six foot plus Mohd. Rizwan, former captain of the Indian basketball team. An officer with the State Bank of India, he's also President of SPAN (St. Patrick's Alumni Network). Hyderabad and South Zone off-spinner Noshir Mehta is another prominent alumnus, having played alongside stalwarts such as M.A.K. Pataudi, M.L. Jaisimha and others from the Twin Cities who donned India colours. Notable sportsmen holding out much promise include T. Suman, who shone for Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League, Ibrahim Khaleel, Hyderabad Ranji wicket-keeper, vice-captain and former Mumbai Indians squad member besides Abhinav Kumar. Narendra Pal Singh, former Hyderabad and South zone speedster, M.P. Anant Vatsalya, former Hyderabad off-spinner and Arjun Yadav, Hyderabad's former Ranji captain have also passed through the institution's portals. “I have picked up a lot of my cricket here,” said Suman on a visit to his alma mater recently. The institution inculcated a love for sports in its students thanks to the vision of Principals such as the late Fr. Devasia, after whom an inter school basketball tournament is organised each year and the enthusiasm of dedicated physical education teachers such as L.P. Naidu
.
