The 26th Annual All India Inter-NIT Sports Meet (AIINIT) for 2025-2026 was hosted at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal on January 9th through 11th with approximately 850 student athletes from 30 different institutions representing NITs across India and one other institute (IIEST Shibpur). Competing from across India, the athletes took part in badminton (team and individual events), ball badminton and basketball, thus offering engineering students a chance to showcase their competitive skills.
The event started on January 9th, with an opening ceremony that was officiated by NITK Surathkal Director Prof B Ravi and was also attended by two distinguished athletes: Chief Guest Ms Dhanalakshmi Poojary, a member of the Indian Kabaddi World Cup team; and Guest of Honour Mr Ashok Poovaiah, an International Badminton Player.
Prof Govinda Raj Madela (Dean - Student's Welfare), Prof Pavan K Saraf (Associate Dean - Student's Welfare), other deans, department heads, faculty, staff members, and students were present at the inauguration ceremony of the event. The Neutral Observer appointed by the NIT Sports Board was Dr Anidev Singh (SAS Officer NIT Delhi).
The tournament witnessed high-quality competition, enabling students from institutions across the country to interact, collaborate, and compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship. The meet concluded with a valedictory and awards ceremony, during which trophies and individual awards were presented to the winning teams and players.
Prof. B. Ravi, Director of NITK Surathkal, stated that "The Inter NIT Sports Meet embodies our commitment to providing education in a holistic manner (physical fitness, teamwork, leadership) These platforms build on the student's development by instilling discipline and resilience, contributing to students' academic achievement."
Results Summary:
NITK Surathkal won the Women's Badminton title, with NIT Trichy taking second place as the runner-up. NIT Calicut was the top men's team, with NIT Silchar finishing in second place. The tournament's best player awards were given to Ms. Manashree, NITK Surathkal, and Mr. Aravind Kupupi Rao, NIT Calicut.
NIT Warangal was the champion of the men's category of Ball Badminton, NITK Surathkal finished as the runner-up and NIT Andhra Pradesh was third. Golla Kiran Kumar of NIT Warangal was awarded best player.
In the Women's Ball Badminton, NITK Surathkal was first, while NIT Calicut finished as the runner-up. Vadlamudi Himasree of NITK Surathkal was awarded Best Player.
NIT Trichy dominated the competition in both the Men's and Women's Basketball divisions. NIT Rourkela came in second place in the Women's division, while NIT Calicut finished in second place in the Men's division. The Players of the Tournament were Ms. Spoorthy and Mr. Maran, both from NIT Trichy.
The Department of Physical Education, Sports and Student Activities organised the meet under the leadership of Dr Hem Prasad Nath as Organising Secretary & Senior SAS Officer and with support from Dr Manoj, Mr Akshay K and the student organising team.
The Chief Guest for the valedictory programme was Mr Sudheer Kumar Reddy, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru. The successful conclusion of AIINIT 2025–26 demonstrates NITK Surathkal's dedication towards developing students in all aspects, by developing sports and leadership skills with their academic excellence.
By supporting this special international competition, NITK Surathkal is making a commitment to being an active participant in developing well-rounded individuals through the use of athletics, physical fitness and leadership opportunities, as well as by creating an environment of mutual support among students from some of India's finest engineering schools.
