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Saina Nehwal Opens 58th Inter-IIT Sports Meet at IIT Hyderabad

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 20:54 GMT by The Hans India

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Saina Nehwal Opens the 58th Inter‑IIT Sports Meet at IIT Hyderabad

On a crisp November morning, the sprawling campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad became a buzzing arena of athleticism as the 58th edition of the Inter‑IIT Sports Meet opened with a star‑studded ceremony. The event, a long‑running tradition that brings together athletes from all 23 IITs across the country, was graced by none other than Olympic‑bronze‑medallist and former world No. 3 badminton star Saina Nehwal, who delivered an inspiring address to the young competitors.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Inter‑IIT Sports Meet, first held in 1964, has grown from a modest gathering of a few institutions to a nationwide spectacle featuring a wide array of sports—from track and field and badminton to basketball, cricket, and even e‑sports. In 2023, the 58th edition spanned five days (6–10 November) and attracted more than 1,400 participants, 200 officials, and thousands of spectators.

The event is organized annually by the National Sports Academy, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the IIT Council. It aims not only to crown champions but also to foster camaraderie and healthy competition among India’s premier engineering schools.

The Grand Opening

The opening ceremony, held in the 10,000‑seat stadium on the IIT Hyderabad campus, began with a flag‑hoisting led by the Vice‑Chancellor of IIT Hyderabad, Dr. Nandini Chandra. The auditorium was then filled with the rhythmic cheers of the IIT Hyderabad “Blue‑and‑Gold” marching band. The moment that stole the show was Saina Nehwal’s arrival, escorted by a guard of honor.

Nehwal, who has represented India at three Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016) and has won multiple Commonwealth Games medals, expressed her delight at being part of the event. “I’ve always admired the spirit of sportsmanship at IITs. These students are not only brilliant minds but also talented athletes, and I’m thrilled to see them shine on the field,” she said. Her speech emphasized discipline, balance, and the importance of pursuing one’s passion alongside academics. She urged participants to “play hard, stay humble, and remember that true victory lies in the effort you put in.”

Sports and Highlights

Over the five days, the 58th Inter‑IIT Sports Meet hosted 13 sports, each with its own set of preliminary, semi‑final, and final rounds. A total of 18 events were contested in badminton alone, with players from IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Madras featuring prominently. The athletics track witnessed an electrifying race in the 100‑metre sprint, where the gold medal went to a sprinter from IIT Bangalore, clocking a time of 10.42 seconds.

In basketball, the “Blue‑and‑Gold” squad from IIT Hyderabad faced off against the “Red‑and‑White” from IIT Ropar in a closely contested final, clinching victory 72–68. Cricket matches were also a crowd‑pleaser, with the under‑23 tournament culminating in a 4‑over final that ended in a thrilling tie, resolved by a boundary‑count.

Beyond the main sports, the meet also featured less traditional events such as e‑sports, where a team from IIT Gandhinagar secured the championship in “League of Legends.” The inclusion of these events reflects the evolving landscape of Indian sports, blending conventional disciplines with digital arenas.

Medal Tally and Standout Performances

While the event’s primary focus is participation and learning, the medal tally provides a snapshot of the competitive landscape. The top three IITs in the overall medal count were IIT Kharagpur (38 golds), IIT Delhi (35 golds), and IIT Hyderabad (28 golds). Notably, the host institute’s team achieved a commendable performance across a wide spectrum of sports, buoyed by strong showings in athletics, badminton, and e‑sports.

Individual accolades also highlighted remarkable talent. A sprinter from IIT Bangalore, who also played for the national junior track team, was awarded “Best Athlete.” In badminton, a young player from IIT Madras won both singles and doubles events, earning the “Most Valuable Player” title. The “Best Coach” award went to Dr. Ramesh S. from IIT Pune, recognized for nurturing talent across disciplines.

Saina’s Legacy and the Future of Inter‑IIT Sports

Saina Nehwal’s participation was more than ceremonial; it was symbolic of the bridge between elite international sports and India’s premier academic institutions. She has long been an advocate for promoting sports among youth, and her presence at the meet underscored the importance of encouraging balanced development in both academics and athletics.

Her remarks resonated with the participants: “I’ve learned that the discipline you practice in sports can translate into your studies. Keep pushing boundaries,” she told the assembly, her words echoing in the stadium’s acoustics. In the weeks that followed, several athletes took to social media to thank her for the motivating speech and for being a role model that blends passion, perseverance, and humility.

The 58th Inter‑IIT Sports Meet also showcased the infrastructure at IIT Hyderabad, including a brand‑new 400‑meter athletics track, a state‑of‑the‑art gymnasium, and an all‑season indoor sports complex. The campus’s facilities have been praised for creating an environment that nurtures both scholastic and sporting excellence.

Conclusion

The Inter‑IIT Sports Meet, now a venerable institution in India’s sporting calendar, was celebrated in a grand style at IIT Hyderabad with Saina Nehwal’s energetic opening. The event not only highlighted the athletic prowess of India’s brightest engineering minds but also reinforced the ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork, and balanced growth. As the last of the finals concluded and medals were handed out, the campus was abuzz with stories of triumph, new friendships, and the promise of a bright future for Indian sports.

For those interested in learning more about the IIT system or the Inter‑IIT Sports Meet’s history and future plans, the respective institutional websites—IIT Hyderabad and the National Sports Academy—provide detailed insights and upcoming event schedules. The 58th edition left no doubt: when talent meets opportunity, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.