Inter-IIT Aquatics Meet 2025 Begins at IIT Madras with 400 Athletes from 17 IITs

The 58th Inter-IIT Sports Meet began on a high note with the Inter-IIT Aquatics Meet 2025, inaugurated at IIT Madras on 30 September. The event, running until 5 October, features over 400 athletes from 17 IITs competing in swimming, water polo, and diving.

The meet was inaugurated by Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Sebastian Xavier, who trained at the IIT Madras swimming pool in the 1980s. Recalling his journey from practicing in rivers to representing India at the Olympics, he encouraged participants: “I wish you all the best as you compete here.”

Also present at the inauguration were IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, Dean of Students Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, faculty members, officials, and students.

Prof. Kamakoti highlighted the unique collaboration of three generations of IITs—IIT Madras, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Tirupati—in jointly organizing this year’s meet. He noted that the event fosters not just competition but also camaraderie and institute pride.

Prof. Gummadi emphasized the values of sportsmanship: “Sports build resilience, teamwork, and leadership, while strengthening unity and friendship across IITs.”

The Inter-IIT Sports Meet, first held in 1961 with just five institutes, has grown into the largest sporting event among centrally funded technical institutions. It is divided into three segments: the Aquatics Meet (September-October), the Main Meet (December), and the Staff Meet (introduced in 1989).

This year’s main meet will be held from 14–21 December, hosted jointly by IIT Madras, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Tirupati, with over 3,000 athletes expected to compete across 13 sports.

IIT Madras boasts a rich sporting legacy, having won the General Championship 24 times out of 57 editions, most recently in 2023. The championship is awarded to the IIT with the highest cumulative points across all events.

In line with its sporting culture, IIT Madras also introduced the Sports Excellence Admission Scheme in 2024, offering reserved seats for students with achievements at national and international levels.

The Aquatics Meet 2025 is being conducted in the Olympic-standard 50m pool at IIT Madras, with high enthusiasm and competitive spirit marking the start of another memorable sporting season for the IIT community.