The Principal was addressing the students on ways and means of conducting the sports meet of the college. _________, responding to the opinion of one of the athletes, she wanted to learn about how more sports could be included in the meet.

The blank requires a discourse marker that signals an additional point being made by the Principal beyond her main address. 'Further' means 'in addition; moreover' and appropriately introduces the next aspect of her engagement — responding to an athlete's opinion and seeking to include more sports. 'In spite of' requires a noun complement. 'While' as a sentence-opener needs an accompanying clause. 'Still' implies persistence/contrast which doesn't fit the additive context. Therefore the answer is (d) Further.