SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Friday inaugurated the All-India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament (Men) 2026, bringing together 24 teams from National Institutes of Technology across the country.
The tournament, being hosted by NIT Srinagar for the first time, will be held from July 4 to July 8 across eight venues in Srinagar. It aims to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, wellness and inter-institutional camaraderie among faculty and staff members of the participating institutes.
The inaugural ceremony, held at the institute’s Common Hall, began with the National Anthem and National Song.
In a message, NIT Srinagar Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia said sports help strengthen institutional relationships and provide a platform for collaboration and mutual learning.
“Sports transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. Events like these strengthen fraternity and create lasting relationships among institutions. We hope all participants enjoy both the competition and the hospitality of Kashmir,” he said.
In-charge Director Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir formally declared the tournament open, saying the event symbolised national integration, friendship and excellence.
“We are honoured to host faculty and staff members from 24 NITs across the country. This tournament is a celebration of unity, healthy competition and mutual learning,” she said.
Faculty In-charge of the Sports Activity Centre, Dr Manoj Kumar, welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of sports in promoting physical well-being, mental resilience and stronger professional bonds.
Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman said sporting events foster leadership, teamwork and institutional cooperation beyond academic settings, while Dean Faculty Welfare Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger emphasised the importance of sports in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The inaugural function was attended by Observer Dr Prashant S. Nagrale from VNIT Nagpur, deans, heads of departments, faculty members, staff and representatives of all participating institutes. A felicitation ceremony was also held for dignitaries and team representatives.
Earlier, a managers’ meeting was held to finalise the tournament fixtures, match schedule and team groupings. Officials discussed fixture allocation and other logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the championship.
