Now in its third edition, this year’s sports meet had 130-member strong contingent from IIM Bangalore visit God’s own campus (IIMK), with an aim of bettering their last year’s tally of 12-1. But, IIMK proved to be a worthy contender winning 5 events in all and giving a stiff competition in the rest. With the home crowd rooting them on, IIMK scored points in Basketball, Swimming, Snooker and Table Tennis (both men’s and women’s).
IIMB was a clear winner in Cricket, which it won by 6 wickets. Opener Amit Gupta’s unbeaten knock of 86 out of a total of 133, certainly made a difference to the game adding a point to the visitor’s score-card. IIMB won the football match 3-1, while it got an easy victory in Badminton (Women’s). The visitors also emerged a victor in Volleyball, Chess, Tennis and Throwball (women’s). However the celebrations for the visitors ended swiftly and with a thump as IIMK returned the favors in Table Tennis (a 3-0 win in both Men’s and Women’s events) and Basketball, whitewashing all competition. Asif of IIMK was the star of the Baskeball match scoring half of the points.
Badminton (Men’s) was a tough call till the end. Vikram Devare’s brilliant performance couldn’t help IIMK win Badminton, but the home crowd’s hooting made it a not-so-relishing moment for the Bangaloreans in spite of their victory, more so because they ended on a losing note with last three events turning in favor of IIMK.
Intended to build camaraderie and lasting relationship between the two southern IIMs, the sports meet certainly symbolizes the cut-throat competitive spirit the IIMs are known for. If the Bangaloreans felt out-numbered and out-voiced more this time, they can settle the account when they host the meet next year.