The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, recently held its annual Sports Competitions Award Ceremony at the Pool Theatre. The event celebrated the enthusiasm and talent of officers, Fellows, scholars, staff members, and children who participated in departmental and family-based competitions over the past several days.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, emphasizing that sports at IIAS are more than recreation—they foster unity, cooperation, creativity, and positive energy. Secretary Mehar Chand Negi highlighted the importance of sports in the Institute’s participatory culture and appreciated the disciplined involvement of all competitors.
Winners across various categories—women, men, children, and adolescents—were felicitated for their performances in events including badminton, carrom, lemon spoon race, sack race, brick race, musical chairs, and table tennis. The audience actively cheered, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the prize distribution.
In his presidential address, Director Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi congratulated participants and organizers, emphasizing that sports cultivate discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He noted that the spirit of participation, camaraderie, and positivity enriches the Institute’s dynamic and harmonious culture.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sports Secretary Kesar Singh, expressing gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and staff for their support. The ceremony ended on a vibrant note of energy, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
