“I don’t know anything that builds the will to win better than competitive sports.”

-Richard.M.Nixon

Sport, spirit, slogans, support, victory, hard work, talent, skill, coordination, sweat, practice, stadium, jersey, equipment, teamwork, logistics, hospitality..! All come together and lay the stage for two of the best management schools in India to clash in the sports arena.  And what does the winner take away? An opportunity to ‘flaunt’ their supremacy over the other of course!

Welcome to Samhar’09!

Running for the third consecutive year, the sports meet between IIM Calcutta and IIM Bangalore spans two vigorous days, and is held alternatively in the two respective campuses. This year, Samhar ’09 will see sport enthusiasts from 16 events panting it out in IIM Calcutta. IIM Bangalore has won the Samhar crown for two years, but IIM Calcutta seems to be taking no chances this time.

The last few weeks at IIM Calcutta has seen the B-school students sweating it out on the fields – shouting, perspiring, jumping, screaming and playing their hearts out – all in a bid to win the Samhar title. Here is what some of the IIM Calcutta team captains have to say.

Athletics: After a dismal performance by girls last year, boys gave it away without even trying. Whoops! We have pledged for the spirit of Samhar, so no excuse would work this time around or alternatively men events should be scheduled ahead of women events. Lets hope Kolkata humidity gives our runners a home advantage.

Badminton: A thump for girls team as they squeezed in a point for us last time. They really came through for us. IIM Bangalore has a few strong players that could dampen our game. I wish that our strategy to win 3 out of 5 games works.

Basketball: Tigers ‘Boys’ are boasting for their better side this year. They’re relying upon home advantage after playing on a bizarre court last time in Bangalore. Girls have put in lot of effort. Their motto is ‘Never give up, never give in’.

Carrom: We had a close one last year and we lost. Our present Captain didn’t get a chance to be in the playing squad last year. And he is anxious as ever to play this time around and win for us.

Cricket: Like carrom, cricket was also a close encounter last year, but we eventually lost. A good pool of bowlers should help the team restrict the opponents to a minimal score. Lack of match practice and weather are going be major hurdles. The captain with god gifted talent, and a talkative vice captain are the biggest strengths of the team. The team wishes to play in Eden Gardens. Lets make it happen next time year!

Football: I have my bets on our football team this time. I have seen them playing and it looks like a good unit held together by the captain. All players seem to be swayed by international football and you will always spot them in jerseys of various football clubs. Above all, all smokers in the team have left smoking for a while so that the team doesn’t loose on stamina. Friends, please thump!

Hockey: We all should take some time out and watch their match as one doesn’t get a chance to visit a national stadium everyday. There are healthy signs as the captain is ensuring good strategic sessions for the training. When I asked him about the chances, he didn’t waste a moment to answer ‘Of course, we will win’.

Swimming: We did lose last year though the girls did us proud. This year, IIM B played damp squid by cancelling the girl’s event at the last moment. The men’s team is talented and it should prove to be an interesting battle.

Table Tennis: The team is lucky to have a very spiritual captain. I only came across words like spirit, motivation, enthusiasm and teamwork while talking to him. New talent is superb and again promises to be an engrossing event. It will be held in White Hostel Mess, and should be a crowd puller.

Throwball: Last year the team was spared for losing because of the misinterpretation of rules. Girls, you don’t have an option but to win. This is what your captain had to say ‘We will win or else I will break your legs’. Scary!

Though there is a lot of concern over the weather, the mood is positive. Both sides are waiting for the two days which will see the two sides clash in various sports arenas. With the IIM Calcutta home crowd ready to support its peers, the doors of sporting open today when the IIM Bangalore team arrives in Kolkata – and thus begins Samhar 09, a weekend promised to be filled with zeal, vigour, excitement, joy, bruises, cheers, and the spirit of excellence.

-  Mohit Handa and Soumitra Singh.