JOIN USLast week, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT- Delhi) was buzzing with activities. If the annual technical fest ‘Tryst’ engaged geeks, then the annual sports event ‘Sportech’ turned out to be an engrossing event for sports enthusiasts.
As the institute is known for its academics, as well as for sports, the fest saw participation of students from different universities across the City as well as from different states in all indoor and outdoor games events.
Somya Mishra, third year student, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, who came along with her team to participate in badminton championship, was brimming with confidence. “For the first time we have come to IIT and we are excited to see the level of competition. Our boys team lost the match, so the team is pinning hopes on girls. The competition is tough,”
says Somya.
A similar view was shared by Manu, a student of Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, who is part of her Institute’s basketball team. “We have won match but it wasn’t easy. Since we performed well, we are expecting to reach finals. So far, students from Jamia Milia Islamia are our tough competitors,” says Manu.
This is true, as more than 200 colleges applied for registration, out of which 120 colleges were selected for different events like hockey, football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton, carrom and athletics.
“We have to select only limited colleges, considering the accommodation,” says Karan Sofat, coordinator Sportech. “The number of participants has increased this time. Since it is one of the biggest college sports events in North, colleges especially from north and west are more inclined towards it,” informs Karan.
Interestingly, IITians who are perceived to be more research oriented showed their sporty side and participated in the games as well.
“Cricket, basketball and volleyball team is our strength,” says IIT’s sports coach Deepak Negi. “Almost 8,000 students in IIT are enrolled in sports activities out of which 3,000-4,000 are regular in their practice sessions. So, we have strength in some of the sports,” says Deepak.
Rashi Raina, second year student Bio-Chemical engineering, IIT, is one of those regular students. “ I practise for atleast two hours in the morning,” says Rashi, a discus throw player. “ It isn’t that easy but I ensure that I do not compromise on my practice session. Last year I participated in inter-IIT competition and came fifth. For me, who is a beginner it is a big deal. Even in Sportech I came fifth. Probably, next time my ranking will improve,” says Rashi, while complimenting the excellent sports players with whom she has competed.
Meanwhile, the weather Gods played spoilsport and
it rained cats and dogs on the second day of the fest turning the field into a huge swimming pool.