Bhubaneswar: The 9th Edition of SAI Olympics at SAI International School has kicked off in Bhubaneswar, marking the start of the annual sports meet running from December 18 to 22. The opening ceremony was graced by Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who declared the sports meet open and hoisted the SAI Olympics flag.
This exciting event promises to showcase the talent, determination, and sportsmanship of the SAIoneers, a press release from SAI International said.
The upcoming days will feature a wide range of sports activities, with students from various houses engaging in track and field events, football, basketball, badminton, table tennis, swimming, chess, karate, and more. The competition has drawn students from all grades, with each house displaying intense enthusiasm and team spirit, competing for the prestigious House Championship Trophy.
The event featured a special recognition segment, where participants were felicitated by the chief guest, Suryabanshi Suraj, for their outstanding achievements.
The event also highlighted the Inter-House Champions Award ceremony, where the top-performing students from various house competitions, spanning national and international sporting events, were honoured for their exceptional accomplishments and contributions, representing the state and the country.
Addressing the gathering, Suraj encouraged students to embrace sportsmanship, and emphasised that participation is more important than winning. “I hope the very word of Olympics creates a ripple of inspiration in every child across my state,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2036, the centenary year of Odisha and the anticipated year for India to host the Olympics, the Minister expressed hope that many of the young athletes present would compete on that global stage. He also congratulated students excelling in swimming and other sports, stating, “This is just the beginning. I see my state and country achieving greater heights in the years to come.”
Chairperson of SAI International Education Group Silpi Sahoo also expressed her support for the event, stating, “SAI Olympics reflects our commitment to nurturing every child’s growth through a balanced combination of academics, physical fitness, and life skills. Through these events, we aim to instill qualities like resilience, leadership, and teamwork in our students, preparing them for a brighter future.”
The event provides students with a platform to not only excel in sports but also to build key life skills such as discipline, resilience, and collaboration. The state-of-the-art sports facilities at SAI International School, including the Bijaya Maidan and Bijoy Indoor Stadium, offer an ideal setting for these activities, fostering both athletic excellence and a sense of sportsmanship.
Over the course of the next three days, the SAI Olympics will continue to highlight the remarkable talent of our students as they strive for victory, pushing their boundaries both physically and mentally. The event is set to inspire students, parents, and staff alike, as they witness the growth and determination of young
athletes.
Towards the end of the opening ceremony, Shri Nilakantha Panigrahi, Sr. Principal and Director Academics, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the inspiring presence of the Chief Guest and reflecting on the vision of the Founder-Chairman, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, who championed the transformative role of sports in shaping both academic and personal growth.
