CHENNAI (India CSR): The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) inaugurated its latest sports facility, the Sitara Indoor Sports Complex, on November 4, 2024. This state-of-the-art complex was made possible through a generous contribution from an anonymous IIT Madras alumnus, reflecting the institute’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development.
Modern Sports Facility with Advanced Features
The Sitara Indoor Sports Complex brings cutting-edge sports amenities to IIT Madras. It features four advanced badminton courts, multiple table tennis courts, a gallery on the mezzanine floor, and an open tennis court on the terrace. This addition enhances the existing sports infrastructure, which already includes basketball, volleyball, football, and cricket grounds, along with the Gymkhana Sports Complex and a swimming pool.
Celebrating the Inauguration with Sports Champions
The inauguration saw an inspiring gathering of sports icons, including Table Tennis Champion Sharath Kamal, Davis Cup Tennis Player Somdev Devvarman, and Paralympic Bronze Medalist Manisha Ramadoss. Prof. V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Shankar V, Chairperson of the IIT Madras Alumni Charitable Trust, were also present to celebrate the opening of the complex.
Prof. Kamakoti expressed his vision for the sports complex, stating, “The day is not far off when IIT Madras will have an Olympian alumnus. This facility will be a hub for students to interact with and learn from national champions, raising the standard of sports at IIT Madras.”
A New Era in Sports Admissions at IIT Madras
IIT Madras has taken a significant step by introducing the Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) program, allowing sportspersons to join its undergraduate courses. This initiative began with the academic year 2024-25, marking IIT Madras as the first IIT to offer admissions specifically for outstanding athletes. The institute aims to attract and support talented students in sports, furthering their development alongside academic pursuits.
Building a Sports Tech Hub for India’s Future
The new facility also intends to foster research and innovation in Sports Tech, creating a platform for networking, showcasing technologies, and enabling collaboration between public and private sectors. IIT Madras envisions this center as a hub that will promote advancements in sports science and technology, benefiting students and sports enthusiasts across the nation.
Alumni Support Boosts IIT Madras’s Sports Infrastructure
Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations, extended gratitude to the alumnus donor, saying, “We are truly grateful to the alumni community for supporting us in this venture. This facility will enhance our students’ sports achievements, while also fostering research that we hope will influence the nation’s sporting success.”
Kaviraj Nair, CEO of IIT Madras’s Office of Institutional Advancement, added, “This generous contribution from our alumnus reinforces the importance of physical well-being alongside academic excellence. Our alumni have played a pivotal role in the institute’s holistic growth, and this sports complex exemplifies their commitment to IIT Madras’s all-round development.”
A Vision for IIT Madras’s Sporting Future
IIT Madras continues to set benchmarks in both academic and sports excellence. With this new indoor sports complex, the institute is further strengthening its infrastructure, empowering students to pursue both intellectual and physical growth. This initiative not only enhances the student experience but also positions IIT Madras as a leader in promoting a balanced approach to education that values sports as essential to personal development.
