Amrita School of Biotechnology celebrated its annual sports meet February 16-17, 2018. The day unfolded with a colorful parade of different houses namely Amritamayi, Anandamayi, Chinmayi, and Jyothirmayi. The unique feature of this year’s sports day was the grouping of students into houses, unlike into batches, as was done previously. As the contingents settled at the center of the ground, the flaming torch, a symbol of undying sports spirit, was taken around the sports ground by ‘who’s who’ of sports at School of Biotechnology after receiving it from Dr. Bipin Nair, Dean, School of Biotechnology. It was exhilarating to see all female athletes doing the torch relay.

The divine was invoked with the lighting of the kuthuvilakku by the Dean and faculty members, followed by a soulful rendition of the prayer. Then Dr. Bipin Nair addressed the gathering expressing his happiness and appreciating the unprecedented turnout of students. He also emphasized the importance of sportsman/woman spirit and advised not to attach too much importance to the outcome, as participation is paramount. After the event was declared open by the Dean, the flag was hoisted by Dr. Asoke Banerji, Distinguished Professor, School of Biotechnology. Under the fluttering flag, group leaders took the oath promising to unflinchingly adhere to the tenets of sportsman/woman spirit and play fair.

The morning session of the first day commenced with the taxing 1500 meter race, followed by swift 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump. The events were marked by intense competition and active participation from the students and faculty members. The afternoon session began with relay events and ended with a cricket match between faculty members and the students’ cricket team. Though a closely contested match, the students decisively outplayed the faculty team and regained the trophy.

The second day started with even more zest and passion. Supreme athleticism was on display during 100m, 200m and 800m track events. The day was dotted with events for the faculty members as well, such as Bombing in the City, musical chairs and 100m sprint that drew active and enthusiastic participation. The morning session came to an end with medley relay, shotput, discus throw, javelin throw and hammer throw.

The afternoon session kicked off with the much-awaited football match between faculty members and students. The students, with their agility, stamina and teamwork, defeated the faculty members and regained the trophy that was the proud possession of the faculty last year. Students and faculty, united by sports, stood witness to the winners as they climbed the victory stand and received their medals. Amidst resounding cheers, the Chinmayi group received the overall trophy from Dr. Bipin Nair. Tired and content, the students and faculty members sang the national anthem as the sun plunged into the sea and Sports Day 2018 slipped into memories.