“All glories come from the daring to just begin” – SHAURYA ’23 at IIT Kharagpur

A Glimpse from the Table Tennis Tournament in Full Swing

One of the biggest sports tournament of the country ‘Shaurya ’23, themed ‘Shadow Warrior,’ recently concluded at IIT Kharagpur, leaving behind a trail of excitement, innovation, and intense competition. The festival which was entirely managed by students; held within the iconic IIT Kharagpur campus, has undoubtedly set a new standard for excellence. This edition of Shaurya went above and beyond, featuring a diverse range of competitions catering to both male and female participants.

The events showcased a wide array of sports, including cricket, volleyball, basketball, hockey, athletics, badminton, football, lawn tennis, table tennis, chess, and powerlifting. Prior to the main festivities, Shaurya also hosted engaging pre-event activities like the Shaurya Cube Open, National Sports Quiz, Knuckle Pushups Challenge, Skipathon, Dutch Grand Prix Live Stream, Asia Cup India Vs Pak Live Stream, and the Shaurya Yoga Quest Challenge.

A Glimpse from the Hockey Tournament

IIT Kharagpur’s exceptional infrastructure and sports facilities, including their state-of-the-art Student Activity Centre with its multiple courts and fields, provided an ideal setting for the diverse competitions. The festival, boasting over 15 titular sports events, transcended beyond the realm of sports, incorporating guest lectures, recreational activities, and non-sporting events such as marathons and F1 simulations. The event aspired to be the pinnacle of sports for both our present and future generations.

In a dazzling display of sportsmanship and talent, the Shaurya Sports Fest 2023 at IIT Kharagpur concluded with thrilling victories and unforgettable moments. The campus was alive with the spirit of competition as participants from various institutes showcased their prowess in a variety of sports. Let’s delve into the highlights of some of the most riveting events that left a lasting impression on spectators.

A Glimpse from the Basketball Tournament

Shaurya Table Tennis Tournament Finals: A Battle to Remember

The finals of the Shaurya Table Tennis Tournament set the stage for a captivating showdown between IIT Kharagpur’s A team and that of St. Xavier’s. The match was a rollercoaster of high-stakes rallies and intense action, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. The game remained neck-and-neck until the last set. But in the end, it was St. Xavier’s that emerged victorious, claiming the title in a dramatic fashion that will be etched in the memories of all who witnessed it.

Shaurya Powerlifting Championship: Vivek Singh Nainwal Dominates

The 2023 Shaurya Powerlifting Championship concluded with a display of unparalleled strength and determination. Participants showcased exceptional performances, but it was Vivek Singh Nainwal from IIT Kharagpur who stole the spotlight. His remarkable feats in the competition earned him the title of the ‘Best Lifter’, leaving a powerful mark on the championship and inspiring all present.

A Glimpse from the Spring Tournament

Lawn Tennis Excellence: Mayank Joshi Crowned ‘Best Player’

In the realm of Lawn Tennis, Mayank Joshi from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur emerged as the shining star. His exceptional skill, consistency, and unwavering determination throughout the tournament culminated in a well-deserved victory, earning him the prestigious title of the ‘Best Player’. Mayank’s performance showcased the true essence of sportsmanship and dedication.

Chess Tournament: A Battle of Minds in the Yoga Room

The Chess Tournament, hosted in the Yoga Room within the Technology Students’ Gymkhana, proved to be a cerebral spectacle. It was a platform that highlighted the competitive spirit and strategic prowess of the participating teams. The event underscored the importance of fostering intellectual pursuits and healthy competition within the academic community.

Shaurya Volleyball Tournament: A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Skill

The 2023 Shaurya Volleyball Tournament was a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship, featuring remarkable performances and unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come. The tournament recognised and honoured the ‘Best Players’ in the form of Shadik from Sarala Birla University and Mythri T G from IIT Kharagpur, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the competition. Congratulations to all participants, winners, and teams for their dedication and commitment.

Shaurya Cricket Tournament: Soumya Basak Shines as the Player of the Tournament

The 2023 Shaurya Cricket Tournament echoed with the sounds of cricketing brilliance and camaraderie, honouring Soumya Basak from St. Xavier’s as the ‘Player of the Tournament’. Soumya’s exceptional performances left an indelible mark on the tournament, showcasing not only individual skill but also a true passion for the game. Congratulations to all participants, winners, and teams for their dedication and spirited play.

A Glimpse of the Marathon Event

Shaurya Football Tournament: Nitin Rohit Emerges as the Player of the Tournament

The 2023 Shaurya Football Tournament unfolded as a saga of skill, teamwork, and pure passion for the beautiful game. The tournament honoured Nitin Rohit from IIT Kharagpur A as the ‘Player of the Tournament’, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the team’s success. Congratulations to all participants, winners, and teams for their dedication and outstanding performances on the football field.

In conclusion, the Shaurya Sports Fest 2023 at IIT Kharagpur was a resounding success, celebrating not just physical prowess but also the intellectual and strategic acumen of its participants. As the campus echoed with the cheers and memories of this spectacular event, it’s clear that Shaurya has once again proven to be a stage for champions to shine – a sporting extravaganza to remember!

Media Partner : Telegraph 

Inputs by : Prajay and Ushasri Gunpuru, Students, IIT Kharagpur 

Edited By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

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And the winner of the 54th Inter IIT Sports Meet is….

“Yesterday is not ours to recover but tomorrow is ours to win or to lose.”

Lyndon B. Johnson; 36th president of the United States of America.

Trophies

The 54th Inter IIT Sports Meet 2019 concluded on December 22 evening after 8 days of tireless efforts by more than 2000 participants from 23 IITs across the country. The closing ceremony witnessed some spectacular winning moments in the presence of Prof. William Kumar Mohanty, Convener, 54th Inter IIT Sports Meet, Chief Guest Shri Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand, son of Indian Hockey legend late Dhyan Chand, Prof. P. K. Das, Acting Director and Dean, Post Graduate Studies, and Prof. Somesh Kumar, Chairman, 54th Inter IIT Sports Meet.

Shri Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand

The last nine days were filled with boundless passion, emotion and drama surrounding the victories and failures of the contesting teams. As the competition drew to a close, the final few days saw a renewed burst of emotions with the knockout matches. Over a little more than a week, a lot many records were broken and new ones were created across the two IIT campuses – Kharagpur and Bhubaneswar, which hosted the meet – as athletes gave in their best in their quest for glory.

On the last day of the meet, Prof. Mohanty addressed the gathering and welcomed Shri Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand, Indian Hockey legend. Prof Mohanty congratulated all the participants for their terrific performance. He specially thanked the IIT Kharagpur medical team who were on their toes, catering to the needs of the players, many of whom were injured during the games. He encouraged all players to excel in their respective games, understand their shortcomings and work on them, while at the same time giving their best to academics.

Impressed by the enthusiasm of the players, Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand said, “I’m amazed to see students who are jewels in their respective academic domains, to have such passion for sports.” He added, “Sports is not about winning or losing. It is all about participation. During my father’s time, there was no such opportunity for players. Yet, they went out, played their game on foreign grounds and won several accolades”.

Addressing all participants, he said, “I congratulate all of you and hope you will achieve everything in life from these wins and losses. Let these shining medals and trophies give you all the strength to face life’s challenges, just as you dealt with them on field.

IIT Madras

IIT Kharagpur showed off brilliant performances by winning Gold in Athletics (Men), Chess, Basketball (Women), Football (Men), Waterpolo (Men). The Institute secured the second position in overall Aquatics, Athletics (Women), Table Tennis (Men), Volleyball (Men), Swimming (Women), Weightlifting and Tennis (Women). The Bronze came in for March Past, Hockey (Men) and Swimming (Men).

IIT Kharagpur Mens’ Football Team

In the final standings, IIT Delhi came second with 92 points and IIT Madras finished third, with 87.1 points. IIT Kharagpur scored 122 points. All events, on and off the field, in the host and co-host campuses of Kharagpur and Bhubaneswar respectively, were taken into account.

Former Indian Cricket Team Skipper and the current BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly, could not make it to the occasion due to prior commitments. He sent across his best wishes to all the participants via voice message. He promised to come next year.

Victory Lap

Indian cricketing legend, Mr Kapil Dev also took to an audio message to congratulate the participants. “Play the game with all honesty, and you are sure to win”, he said.

Each moment in sports and each decision contributes to one’s victory. At the end, it is consistency that matters. Every match is a learning curve, and those who learn right emerge the winner.

IIT Kharagpur contingent lifted the Champion’s trophy amongst a roar of claps, cheers and whistles and made for the victory lap to the tunes of DJ Bravo’s famous ‘Champion’ song.

Photo credit: Inter IIt Sports Meet Facebook Page, Click KGP