Indian Institute of Management Lucknow hosted Sangharsh 2025, the prestigious inter-IIM sports festival, from 3rd to 5th January 2025. The event brought together elite athletes from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Lucknow, celebrating the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence.
With over 900 participants, including 260 athletes from IIM Lucknow, the event featured intense competition across 20+ sports, including Badminton, Basketball, Carrom, Chess, Cricket, Football, Frisbee, Futsal, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho Kho, Snooker, Powerlifting, Squash, Tennis, Throwball, Table Tennis, and Volleyball. The festival provided exhilarating moments as athletes displayed extraordinary talent and determination, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among India’s premier business schools.
IIM Lucknow triumphed in Sangharsh 2025, securing the coveted trophy with a total of 188 points, surpassing IIM Calcutta (146), IIM Bangalore (137), and IIM Ahmedabad (101).
The opening ceremony, held on 3rd January 2025, featured the hoisting of the tournament flag by Prof. Archana Shukla, Director, IIM Lucknow. The event featured a keynote address by Ms. Simran Sharma, a renowned para-athlete and Bronze Olympic Medalist, who inspired the athletes with her words on perseverance and resilience. Other dignitaries in attendance included Prof. Ajay Kumar Garg, Dean Faculty; Prof. Vikas Srivastava, Dean Programmes; Prof. Priyanka Sharma, Chairperson, Student Affairs and Placement; Prof. Suresh Jakhar, PGP Chairperson; and Col. Sanjeev Bakhshi (Retd), Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Lucknow.
In her inaugural address, Prof. Archana Shukla, Director, IIM Lucknow, said, "At IIM Lucknow, sportsmanship is more than a value—it is a foundation for growth. It teaches us to overcome challenges, respect competitors, foster inclusivity, and relentlessly pursue excellence. The spirit of Sangharsh unites us in this shared journey of resilience and achievement."
Speaking during the event, Ms. Simran Sharma said, “The greatest satisfaction in life is standing on the podium, a medal around your neck, with the national anthem playing. In that moment, the medal is no longer yours; it belongs to your country. Set challenging, long-term goals—goals that take years to achieve. These will truly test your perseverance and willpower. Your strength lies in believing in yourself and never giving up. Every setback brings you one step closer to your breakthrough.”
The opening ceremony also featured the unveiling of the coveted Sangharsh Trophy by Sports Secretary Mr. Vijay Halle, followed by an inspiring conversation with Mr. Deepak Giri, an IIM Lucknow alumnus and leader at Puma.
Sangharsh 2025 featured intense competitions across multiple sports, with over 40 matches held throughout the tournament. The athletes showcased remarkable skills, from the strategic brilliance of chess to the high-energy performances in basketball and football. The vibrant atmosphere was amplified by the roaring support from the crowd, which contributed to a vibrant experience for both athletes and spectators.
The event witnessed exceptional performances across various disciplines, with IIM Lucknow leading the gold medal tally with 16 golds. IIM Bangalore earned 5 golds, while IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad won 3 and 2 golds, respectively, highlighting the outstanding athleticism and competitive spirit of all the participating institutions.
Reflecting on Sangharsh’s broader ethos, Prof. Priyanka Sharma, Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Lucknow, said, “Sangharsh is not just about playing matches; it is about forging friendships, creating lasting memories, and fostering community growth. It is more than just a competition—it is a beacon of excellence driven by purpose and passion. Let us move beyond supporting only our own team and truly embrace the spirit of sportsmanship by supporting every team and contingent present here.”
The closing ceremony on 5th January 2025 was graced by IAS, Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, Sports Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, and World Number 1 para-badminton player, and double Paralympic medalist.
During his address, he said, "These thrilling events bring back memories of my time in engineering college; the same songs are still being played! Some things never change. Make a commitment today to maintain a stress-free and joyful life for the next two decades. Appreciate these moments and stay happy."
IIM Lucknow extends heartfelt gratitude to all participating institutions, athletes, and supporters for their contributions to the monumental success of Sangharsh 2025. As the host, IIM Lucknow takes immense pride in fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and resilience through such events, embodying the values that define the IIM legacy. The event concluded on a high note with the announcement that IIM Ahmedabad will host the next edition of Sangharsh, carrying forward the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.