9th SAI Olympics Concludes with a Focus on Holistic Growth at SAI International Residential School
The 9th SAI Olympics, an annual hallmark sports event at SAI International, concluded today at the Grand Sports Stadium at SAI International Residential School after several action-packed days highlighting athletic prowess, teamwork, and the strength of the human spirit. Held from December 18-20, 2024, with the grand finale on January 5, 2025, this year’s Olympics reinforced the school’s commitment to holistic education through sports, guided by the theme Panchakosha Vikas. The Chief Guest for the event, Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, joined the celebration, along with Olympian Srabani Nanda, Odisha's renowned sprinter, as the Guest of Honour. Students from various classes participated enthusiastically, while parents turned out in large numbers on a Sunday to support their children.
This year’s theme, Panchakosha Vikas, aimed to promote the overall development of students, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian philosophy. The theme focuses on nurturing the five key elements of human life—body, mind, emotions, intellect, and spirit. By integrating these principles into sports, SAI International aims to foster resilience, teamwork, self-discipline, and inner peace, helping students become well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life. This philosophy reflects the school’s mission to cultivate passionate, well-rounded learners who excel both on and off the field.
The closing ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma IAS, and Olympian Srabani Nanda, who applauded the students for their dedication and effort. They emphasized the vital role such events play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
In his address, Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma shared his thoughts on the value of learning from failure, citing the example of cricket legends Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar. He said, “The difference was not talent but the ability to learn from failure. Kambli never learned how to fail. Sports teach you how to fail, how to learn, and how to bounce back stronger.” He further highlighted the importance of facilities like those at SAI International in fostering resilience, character, and grit, encouraging students to make the most of their opportunities.
Olympian Srabani Nanda also expressed her appreciation for the energy and commitment of the young athletes, stressing the importance of sports in teaching discipline, resilience, and the spirit of participation.
The state-of-the-art Bijaya Maidan and Bijoy Indoor Stadium at SAI International School served as the main venues, where students competed in various sports such as track and field, soccer, basketball, badminton, swimming, chess, karate, and table tennis. The highlight of the final day included the thrilling 100-meter race for Grades XI and XII, along with the 4x100-meter relays for boys and girls from different grades at the cutting-edge SAI International Stadium at the Residential School.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, emphasized that the true essence of the Olympics was not just about winning medals, but about cultivating leadership, collaboration, and emotional strength alongside academic success. The SAI Olympics was a remarkable event that embodied the school’s vision of preparing students to face real-world challenges beyond their comfort zones.
Ultimately, the SAI Olympics was more than a competition—it was a celebration of the school’s dedication to fostering well-rounded students. Through sports, students not only honed their physical abilities but also learned valuable life skills in line with the Panchakosha Vikas theme, reinforcing SAI International’s holistic approach to education.
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