Virudhaka XIV, the much-anticipated annual sports fest of the National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, was held from 10th to 13th October 2024. This fourteenth edition of the event brought together students from more than 20 law schools across the country, with a footfall of approximately 1,000 people. It was a grand celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and competitive spirit, successfully fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.
The inaugural ceremony set a lively tone for the fest, graced by the presence of the esteemed Kabaddi player, L. Srinivas Reddy, who addressed the audience with insights into the importance of discipline and perseverance in sports. Shri Harinarayan Chari Mishra, who joined as the Guest of Honour, further encouraged the participants, underscoring the importance of sportsmanship in character development. NLIU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) S. Suryaprakash, Registrar Mr. Vivek Bakshi, Prof. (Dr.) Raka Arya, Dean Student Welfare and Dr. Baljeet Singh, Asst. Director of Physical Education and Sports were also present at the ceremony, setting a positive tone for the days ahead. The dignitaries emphasized the festival’s role in fostering teamwork, leadership, and holistic development among students. Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) S. Surya Prakash expressed his pride in the NLIU community. Mr. Vivek Bakshi, the Registrar of NLIU, also attended the event, adding to the festive atmosphere with his words of encouragement for the participants.
However, on the evening of 10th October, an unfortunate incident occurred involving a student from Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), which brought an air of concern and solidarity to the fest. In response, the NLIU contingent chose to step back from participation to show their support for the affected student and demonstrate compassion during a sensitive time. This decision was not taken lightly, as it meant sacrificing their competitive journey in the fest, but it underscored NLIU’s commitment to empathy and solidarity above all else.
NLIU also took its responsibilities as hosts very seriously, ensuring that despite their own decision not to participate, the fest would continue smoothly for the other contingents. A meeting of all contingent heads was convened by the NLIU Sports Committee, where the gravity of the situation was discussed. The collective sentiment of the contingent heads was that the events should proceed, as it was a way of honoring the spirit of sportsmanship and unity that the fest embodied. However, in a mark of solidarity, both GNLU and NLIU chose not to participate in any further competitions.
As an additional gesture of solidarity, no valedictory ceremony was held at the conclusion of Virudhaka XIV. The NLIU Sports Committee also refrained from any social media coverage of the fest to respect the sensitivity of the situation, ensuring that the focus remained on showing support to the affected student and standing with GNLU. This decision reflected NLIU’s commitment to creating a compassionate environment, even during a large-scale event. By setting this precedent, NLIU showed the nation’s law schools that sportsmanship extends beyond the playing field—it is about standing with your peers in their time of need, with dignity and respect.
A major highlight of this year’s fest was the introduction of esports, marking a new chapter in the range of competitive events offered at Virudhaka. The NLIU Sports Committee also brought back Sports Mediation in collaboration with the Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering holistic growth, both on and off the field.
The competitions were intense, with participants putting their best foot forward across various sports. Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Pune, emerged as the champion in football (11-a-side), while Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow, and Barkatullah University (BU), Bhopal, were declared joint winners in cricket. In basketball, Nirma University and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, were joint winners for the men’s category, whereas SLS Pune triumphed in the women’s category. Volleyball saw UPES taking the title for men, and Jagran Lakecity University (JLU), Bhopal, winning for women. In football (5-a-side), National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ), won in the men’s category, and SLS Pune claimed victory in the women’s.
Throwball was dominated by National Law University Odisha (NLUO), while RMLNLU, Lucknow, showed prowess in lawn tennis by winning in all three categories—men, women, and mixed. Badminton saw SLS Pune clinching the men’s title and NLUJ Jodhpur securing the women’s. Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, took the top spot in chess, while Carrom was won by RMLNLU, Lucknow. UPES, Dehradun, emerged victorious in table tennis for men, with D.E.S. Law College (DES), Pune, securing wins in both the women’s and mixed categories. JLU, Bhopal, won in pool, and HPNLU, Shimla, claimed the snooker title.
Virudhaka XIV stood out as one of the grandest editions of the fest to date, not just in terms of participation but also in its scale and execution. The seamless coordination of events, the lively spirit of competition, and the overwhelming support from sponsors elevated the fest to new heights. With a diverse range of sporting events, new additions like esports, and the reintroduction of sports mediation, Virudhaka XIV successfully embraced modern elements while retaining its traditional essence. The fest created an electrifying atmosphere, where the fervor of competition was matched by the unity and celebration of sports, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants, attendees, and supporters alike.
The VIRUDHAKA XIV was organized under the able leadership of Sports Committee Convenor Rohit Tomar , Co-Convenor Amaan Ali and Treasurer Ayushi Solanki which aimed to promote a culture of physical fitness and healthy competition among students. The fest featured a range of sports, encouraging camaraderie and collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds.
Virudhaka XIV proved to be a resounding success, showcasing NLIU’s ability to host a national-level sporting event with unparalleled enthusiasm and professionalism. The fest not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced the importance of community, sportsmanship, and the spirit of fair competition.
