Laxmi Institute of Technology (LIT) inaugurated its annual Sports Meet 2025 with a unique and inspiring initiative under the theme “Plant a Smile.” This year, the event not only aimed at fostering physical and mental strength among youth but also embraced social responsibility by providing a platform for visually impaired students to showcase their sporting skills. Blind students from the National Association for the Blind (NAB), Valsad, played the opening cricket match at the college ground, spreading joy and inspiring the youth.

Adding an intellectual dimension to sports, this year’s event also introduced a special focus on “Where Engineers Meet Play.” The initiative highlights the deep connection between sports and engineering concepts, enabling students to apply their technical knowledge in real-world scenarios. For instance, Fluid Mechanics concepts like swing & reverse swing, ball speed, and pitch conditions are analyzed in Cricket; Structural Mechanics plays a crucial role in Basketball with aspects like shot trajectory, hoop design, and impact force; and Probability & Logical AI is evident in Chess and strategic decision-making in other games. Through this approach, LIT aims to blend technical education with sports, fostering a well-rounded learning experience for students.

The grand inauguration took place at 10:00 AM on the college cricket ground, under the guidance of Dr. Basavraj Patil (Director, LIT), and was coordinated by Prof. Rakesh Chotliya and Prof. Siba Raut. The chief guest of the ceremony was Yazad Jahanbax Chinoy (Valsad), a distinguished powerlifter who has brought laurels to the nation by winning gold and silver medals at the 11th World Strength Lifting and Bench Press Championship and Powerlifting Championship in 2024 and 2023.

The ceremony commenced with the felicitation of dignitaries, followed by an inspiring speech by the chief guest. The traditional Mashal Relay was performed by student athletes, symbolizing the spirit of sportsmanship. This was followed by the oath-taking ceremony and the formal declaration of the Sports Meet as open. The event gained special significance with the participation of blind students in the inaugural cricket match, reinforcing the values of inclusivity and empowerment through sports.

Adding to the commitment towards social service, a Tree Plantation Drive was conducted as part of the inauguration, where dignitaries, faculty, and students joined hands to plant trees, reinforcing the college’s dedication to environmental conservation. This initiative aligns with the “Plant a Smile” campaign initiated by Gajera Charitable Trust, Surat, which emphasizes acts of kindness and service to society.

The Sports Meet 2025 is set to be a six-day tournament featuring both indoor and outdoor games. Over 1000 students from Diploma, Degree, D.Voc, and B.Voc programs, across branches like Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Software Development, are participating. Events include Cricket, Volleyball, Kabaddi, Football, Kho-Kho, Basketball, Badminton, Carrom, Chess, Table Tennis, Athletics (100m race, relay), Shot Put, Javelin, and Discus Throw. Each sport is integrated with engineering concepts, such as Dynamic Control in passing (Football), Angle of Reflection in Badminton, Game Theory in Chess, and Energy Transfer in Athletics.

The presence of directors, principals, and faculty members from Laxmi Vidyapeeth Campus and NAB staff members added to the grandeur of the event. The tournament will culminate with a prize distribution ceremony on the sixth day, where all participants will receive certificates, and winners will be honored with medals and trophies.

Chief Guest Yazad Chinoy applauded the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants and praised LIT for integrating social causes and technical learning into sports. The dignitaries present also appreciated the “Plant a Smile” initiative, emphasizing its role in shaping socially responsible and technically skilled youth. With this, NAB Representative Shree Solanki Hiteshbhai also said that the youth will feel surprise and proud by watching performance of the divyang students.

With a perfect blend of sportsmanship, engineering insights, and social service, the Sports Meet 2025 at LIT has set a benchmark in fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and the spirit of giving back to society.