Two IIMs to lock horns on playfields

Mou Chakraborty
Kolkata, August 5, 2007
If you think that IIMs are all work and no play, you would be very far from the truth. For the first time, two IIMs are getting together to organise a sports meet and it is set to be an annual event pitting all six IIMs against each other soon.
For this time though, IIM Bangalore will be the only participant, other than hosts IIMC to take part in the sports meet named Samhar, loosely translated as “attack”. The even will be held on August 11 and 12. The organisers had tried to rope in IIM Ahmedabad but they could not make it due to some prior engagements. “All IIT’s have a common sports meet but no such event has ever been organised by the IIMs,” said Prof Anindya Sen, dean of program and research initiative, IIMC.
Talking about the need for sports in the lives of budding managers, Amit Kamble, sports secretary of IIMC said, “As would-be managers we need to learn both how to be leaders as well as good followers. And what better way to learn that than through sports.” The meet would serve as the foundation of future IIM meets, be it sports or otherwise, in the years to come, the sports secretary said. “IIMC has always been active in sports and cultural events, so it is not surprising that we have initiated this meet,” he added.
For the inaugural games, 15 disciplines including basketball, football, badminton, tennis, athletics and cricket will see 85 boys and girls from IIMB and 100 from the host institute fighting it out for top honours. The remaining 500-odd students of IIMC will be amongst the audience. Since the institute does not have a cricket pitch, it will be the only event that will be held elsewhere. “We are hiring a stadium for the event,” said Kamble.
Kamble will be writing to all six IIMs to make plans for a common games meet in 2008. “This is the best platform to know each other, but the biggest problem is that none of the IIMs can manage to have a free week when the event could be scheduled. We hope at least IIMA would join us next year,” said Vijay Anand Menon, a second-year IIMC student.
After the battles on the field, there will be a gala performance by the popular IIMC band, JBS BaroC, as well as their compatriots from IIMB.
Last year, the Kolkata institute boasted of the best placements in the country, upsetting the apple carts of IIMA and IIMB and the latter would be thirsting for revenge at the IIMC’s lair. May the best team win!
mou.hindustantimes@yahoo.com