IIM Bodh Gaya organized “Aarohan”, a three-day inter-IIM sports event, from December 13 to 15, 2024. The event brought together IIMs from the eastern part of India in a celebration of talent and camaraderie. A total of 111 participants joined, with IIM Sambalpur contributing 56 athletes (26 females and 30 males) and IIM Ranchi contributing 55 athletes (15 females and 40 males).
The event kicked off on December 13 with the arrival of teams from IIM Sambalpur and IIM Ranchi. The inauguration ceremony was done by Hon’ble Chief Guest Major General Joy Biswas, an alumnus of NDA Khadakvasala, IMA Dehradun, and DSSC Wellington, with a distinguished military career spanning over 31 years. He is currently serving at OTA Gaya.
During his address, he emphasized the importance of discipline and sportsmanship, setting the tone for the event. Following the inauguration, an oath-taking ceremony was held to ensure fair play, and the event flags were handed over. Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, participated in a friendly cricket match between faculty and students. Dr. Sahay also played badminton and table tennis, reflecting the spirit of the event. Day one featured matches between IIM Sambalpur and IIM Bodh Gaya in cricket and badminton, both won by IIM Bodh Gaya.
Day two was filled with intense matches across football, chess, table tennis, volleyball, throwball, and badminton. IIM Bodh Gaya emerged as the winner in football, chess, table tennis, volleyball, and men’s badminton. IIM Sambalpur won the women’s throwball match. The day concluded with a bonfire and an open mic session.
On the final day, December 15, IIM Bodh Gaya won the cricket match and men’s throwball match against IIM Sambalpur. IIM Bodh Gaya also secured first place in the 100m sprint, while IIM Ranchi finished second.
Raja Arvind, a participant from IIM Ranchi, shared, “The event was a great opportunity to connect and learn from participants of other IIMs. The competitive spirit and teamwork displayed was truly motivating.”
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where athletes were awarded for their performances in cricket, football, volleyball, chess, athletics, badminton, table tennis, and throwball. Dr. Amresh Kumar, Chairperson of the Sports Committee, was instrumental in organizing the event which provided a platform for athletes from IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sambalpur, and IIM Ranchi to showcase their talent.