54th Inter IIT Sports Meet Inaugurated at IIT Bhubaneswar

15th Dec, 2019 Bhubaneswar: The 54th Inter-IIT sports meet was inaugurated at IIT Bhubaneswar. This is for the first time in the history of Inter IIT, a second generation IIT is cohosting the event and in this perspective, it assumes a lot of historical significance. Eight sports will be organised by IIT Kharagpur while the rest four by IIT Bhubaneswar. Shri. Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India was the Chief Guest. Ms. Dutee Chand, Indian professional sprinter was the Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by Prof. R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar.

It is well known that sports have a positive influence on the personal and moral development of youth. Being a positive alternative in the daily lives of students, sports serve as recreation which develops self-esteem, self-discipline and responsibility among the students. Over the last few decades the Inter IIT sports meet has been transforming into a mega extravaganza with rising number of students and staff contingents with the present number stands at 22 IITs participating in the event. It is for the first time in the history of the Inter IIT, a new generation IIT is co-hosting the event along with a senior IIT. IIT Bhubaneswar has been prominent among the second generation IITs with largest student intake, prominent rankings across all international and national frameworks, I am very happy that we could bring IIT Bhubaneswar level to that of a Senior IIT where we can hold an Inter IIT Sports Meet and organize it in high standards. Being the Director of the Institute who has planned the entire infrastructure himself, it gives me immense satisfaction to see that the Institute has grown to a level of hosting such major events. I would like to congratulate the IIT Kharagpur for hosting majority of the events and thank them profusely for sharing the honours with IIT Bhubaneswar hosting the rest, which also assume historic importance. I hope that this Sports Meet will bring the students, faculty members and staff of all IITs together for upholding the sportsman spirit and betterment of the society. I encourage the participants to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to interact and to showcase their best athletic talent and spirit of sportsmanship. Lastly before I conclude, I would like to thank Shri. Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Ms. Dutee Chand for taking time out from their busy schedule and gracing the inaugural function”, said Prof. R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar.

Shri. Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India and Chief Guest on the occasion started his inaugural address with the chant of Bharat Mata Ki Jay, he extended a warm welcome to all the participants and audience to the holy and temple city of Odisha. In his address he gave practical examples and teachings of great people like Swami Vivekananda, Lord Krishna. He also talked about excellence and the secret to it being in ‘ekkagratha, shradda and blessings’ which can help anybody to overcome any challenges and obstacles. He appealed to the students inculcate the spirit of love for the motherhood like the great freedom fighters who laid down their lives for nation, speaking further he stressed that the motto of life should be committed to the nation, one should always be ready to live and die for the nation. He also talked about youth empowerment and highlighted the importance of sports to shape up ones personality in a holistic manner-bringing a synergy between mind, body and spirit. He said that for making this world a heaven, athletic spirit is important. He also acknowledged the efforts of Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for spearheading the country to the path of development and progress with his visionary approach and bold decisions. He said that he is proud of the fact that IIT Bhubaneswar is one among the biggest campuses in India which happens to be in his own state, he further stressed that the Institute is making great strides in the field of education and developing at a very fast pace.

Ms. Dutee Chand, Indian Athlete and Guest of Honor on the occasion spoke about the importance of Sports in today’s lives helping to create a healthy mind, soul and body. She also stressed on the importance of regular exercise and sports in daily life. She appealed to the students to be selfdetermined, do your thing with extreme passion and success is sure to follow. She also credited her success to her parents and also acknowledged the efforts of the Hon’ble Prime Minister in promoting sports among the youth.

The four events to be co-hosted by IIT Bhubaneswar are Badminton, Squash, Table-tennis, and Volleyball. About 800 students are expected to participate from 22 IITs in the 54th Inter IIT Sports meet. The eight-day sports meet will see students of the institutions participating in four different sports activities at IIT Bhubaneswar and the remaining eight sports will be held at IIT Kharagpur and will be concluding on 22nd Dec, 2019.

The inaugural event was followed by march past by athletes, welcome address by Prof. V.R. Pedireddi, Dean Student Affairs and Chairman, Organizing Committee for 54th Inter IIT Sports Meet 2019 IIT Bhubaneswar, flag hosting by the Chief Guest and Director, IIT Bhubaneswar. The event also marked some great cultural dance performances by professional dancers in the form of Gotipua and Paika Akhada organized as a part of the inaugural session. The event saw active participation from Deans, Faculty, staff, students, family of the campusites. The event ended with vote of thanks by the Dr. Sankarsan Mohapatra, Convenor, Organizing Committee, 54th Inter IIT Sports Meet 2019.