The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) inaugurated the 29th Inter IIT Staff Sports Meet today, marking the beginning of a spirited celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The event, scheduled from December 19 to December 24, 2024. With 1329 participants representing 23 IITs, this year’s meet is set to highlight exceptional talent, resilience, and team spirit.
The sports meet features 10 events, including Football (Men), Volleyball (Men), Basketball (Men), Cricket (Men), Tennis (Men), Squash (Men), Badminton (Men and Women), Table Tennis (Men and Women), and Athletics (Men and Women). This year’s addition of Chess (Mixed) as a competitive event, including participation from Differently Abled Persons (DAP), marked a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Praveen Kumar, a distinguished Indian para-athlete from Uttar Pradesh, who served as the Chief Guest for the occasion. Alongside him, several key figures from IIT Kanpur were in attendance, including Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director; Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Student Affairs; Prof. Indra Sekhar Sen, Chairman (SPEC) and Convener of the Inter IIT Sports Meet; and Prof. Aditya Kelkar, Co-convener of the Inter IIT Sports Meet. Major Govind Singh, Sena Medal, JCO members of the Indian Army, and several esteemed faculty, staff, and students also joined the event.

The ceremony commenced with the flag hoisting, led by Mr. Praveen Kumar and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, symbolizing the unity of all participating IITs. A grand March Past featuring contingents from each IIT was a major highlight of the ceremony, representing the spirit of collaboration and unity that defines the IIT community. The Rajputana Rifles Band further enriched the ceremony with its captivating performance. Students from the campus school also participated in the march, dressed in traditional attire, showcasing the cultural diversity and heritage of all the IITs. The winners of the March Past were IIT Ropar, who secured 1st place, followed by IIT Kanpur in 2nd place, and IIT Kharagpur in 3rd place

The chief guest, Mr. Praveen Kumar, who is also a silver medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and a gold medalist at the 2022 Asian Para Games, inspired everyone with his incredible journey and the transformative power of sports. He shared his personal struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work in overcoming obstacles. He said, “Throughout my journey, I have learned that success is not about avoiding challenges, but about embracing them with determination. The road is never easy, and there will always be those who doubt you, but perseverance, hard work, and self-belief are key to achieving greatness. Sports have taught me that every setback is an opportunity to rise, and every challenge is a chance to prove yourself. My message to all of you is simple: never give up. The path to success is a series of steps, each demanding its own struggle. But with each step, you grow stronger and closer to your goal. Keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.”

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, shared his thoughts on the occasion, saying, "The Inter IIT Staff Sports Meet is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that defines the IIT community. This event provides an opportunity for staff from different IITs to come together, engage in friendly competition, and build bonds beyond the workplace. We look forward to seeing all participants enjoy the games and create lasting memories." 

The event was officially declared open after the oath-taking ceremony led by Prof. Kumar Ravi Priya, the contingent leader from IIT Kanpur. Flag bearers from all participating IITs gathered to participate in the ceremony, marking the unity of the IIT community. As a special treat for the attendees, the winner of Season 10 of India's Got Talent, Abujmarh Mallakhamb and Sports Academy from Chhattisgarh, performed the traditional Malhakhamb, captivating the audience with their skillful and precise demonstration of this ancient sport.

In the previous edition of the Inter IIT Staff Sports Meet, hosted by IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Bombay emerged as the overall champion, while IIT Kanpur secured second place. As the host institution this year, IIT Kanpur’s team is determined to deliver exceptional performances and capitalize on the home advantage, with a strong focus on maintaining the rich legacy of this prestigious event.
The 29th Inter IIT Staff Sports Meet is set to uphold the tradition of promoting unity and sportsmanship among the IITs, while also offering an exciting week of competition, collaboration, and camaraderie. With its diverse range of events, this year’s meet will showcase the true spirit of the IIT community coming together to celebrate teamwork, perseverance, and excellence in sports.