IIM Bodh Gaya hosts Aarohan, a three-day inter-IIM sports festival

Bodh Gaya: IIM Bodh Gaya hosted Aarohan, a three-day inter-IIM sports event from December 13 to 15, bringing together students from IIMs in eastern India to celebrate talent, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. The event saw participation from 111 athletes, with IIM Sambalpur fielding 56 participants (26 women and 30 men), and IIM Ranchi contributing 55 participants (15 women and 40 men).

The event began on December 13 with the arrival of teams from IIM Sambalpur and IIM Ranchi. Major General Joy Biswas, an alumnus of NDA Khadakvasala, IMA Dehradun, and DSSC Wellington, inaugurated the festival as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he underscored the importance of discipline and sportsmanship, setting the tone for the tournament. An oath-taking ceremony followed to uphold fair play, and event flags were handed over.

Dr Vinita S Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, further engaged in the event’s spirit by participating in a friendly cricket match between faculty and students, as well as games of badminton and table tennis. On the opening day, matches in cricket and badminton took place between IIM Sambalpur and IIM Bodh Gaya, with IIM Bodh Gaya securing wins in both.

The competition intensified on the second day, featuring matches across football, chess, table tennis, volleyball, throwball, and badminton. IIM Bodh Gaya excelled, emerging victorious in football, chess, table tennis, volleyball, and men’s badminton, while IIM Sambalpur claimed victory in the women’s throwball match. The day concluded with a bonfire and an open mic session, fostering camaraderie among participants.

On the final day, IIM Bodh Gaya triumphed in the cricket match and men’s throwball against IIM Sambalpur. The 100m sprint saw IIM Bodh Gaya clinching first place, with IIM Ranchi finishing as the runner-up.

Raja Arvind, a participant from IIM Ranchi, praised the event, stating: “The event was a great opportunity to connect and learn from participants of other IIMs. The competitive spirit and teamwork displayed were truly motivating.”

The festival concluded with a prize distribution ceremony recognising athletes for their performances across various sports, including cricket, football, volleyball, chess, athletics, badminton, table tennis, and throwball. Dr Amresh Kumar, Chairperson of the Sports Committee, played a key role in organising the event, which provided a platform for students from IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sambalpur, and IIM Ranchi to showcase their skills and sportsmanship.