An Update On Arena: Where Do We Stand?

By Tanya Santhosh (2023), Yashvi A (2023), Rithvika Reddy (2023), Nitya Ravuri (2024)

The nights are still long, and the air still crisp, but there’s something different in the way the campus hums. It’s not just the rustle of lecture notes or the chatter in the mess halls—it’s the pulse of something bigger. The countdown has begun. Arena 2025 is right on the horizon, and the sportspeople of BITS Hyderabad are ready to step into the fray. 

Arena is one of the most acclaimed nationwide fests, known for setting new benchmarks for college-level sports year after year. Thousands of students from across the country show up to our campus, to prove their sportsmanship and show off their team’s prowess.

For months, the teams at BITS have toiled, pushing their limits through the chilly mornings and under the harsh floodlights. With every sprint, every dive, every calculated pass, they inch closer to the moment they’ve been training for—the moment to make their mark. Many have played friendly matches against local colleges last semester, and are reflecting upon those experiences in order to up their game. “We went with an incomplete team. So we had our hands tied, but at the same time, we were trying to analyze how deep our roster is and how our future bench would do”, says the captain of the boys’ basketball team, about their friendly against VNR. The boys’ football team came out of this semester with a golden winning streak against Nalsar, IIT Hyderabad and Loyola College, with a team full of fresh faces who had to step up as their seniors were off campus for Practice School. The girls’ football team captain found their Decathlon tournament as great exposure for her team as it showed them the toughest opponents the team had faced in a while. 

The frisbee team participated in the Nostalgia Bowl, which allowed them to connect with BITS alumni and learn the game better from walking experience. Team chemistry is very important to captain Aditya Menon. “I think the Nostalgia Bowl has been a good experience for our juniors to understand the team culture, and get that bonding in with the seniors.” The boys’ squash team is gearing up for a more competitive Arena than in previous years. “We’re getting a lot more registrations from different colleges compared to the previous years. So, we’re hoping for a very festive arena and a very competitive one. The team looks like they’re ready for it.” said the captain. Though they haven’t had many recent competitive matches, their past matches against BITS Goa in Inter-BITS and Arena have been intense, often decided by the finest margins. The girls’ squash team is also stepping up. After a lack of external competition last year, they are eager to finally test themselves against opponents. “Last year, we weren’t sure if teams would show up. This year, they are, and I’m optimistic with the girls we have” said the team captain, Vidhi Jain. A collective opinion that the teams shared was that the year 2024 brought in quite an enthusiastic bunch compared to last year, bringing in fresh energy and devotion to team practice and participation.

While every athlete enters the arena with a hunger for victory, some squads go into a game with an “all or nothing” attitude, pushing themselves to their absolute limits. Their goal was to perform well in these friendlies, and not just to win. The boys’ football captain, Siddhant Singh Mahla, finds that dividing and conquering is the best way to go: “Our three lines have to do their individual work and then combine as a whole team. So the first thing that we have in mind while going on to the pitch is that everyone has to complete their duty.”

Teams also opened up about the varied hurdles they faced. Fitness has been a major concern after the winter and Sankranti breaks, and they aim to focus more on endurance training and nutrition to stay in top form. Group synergy is another big challenge, as communication on the ground becomes key to a smooth team performance. “My main goal during the friendlies was to bond the team: whatever we do we have to do it together, whether it’s winning or losing,” says football captain Samya Kalra. Mental toughness remains a weighing concern; overconfidence has, at times, led to teams squandering games they seemed to have had in the bag. One of the biggest hurdles for the squash team has been the lack of a coach and proper equipment. The courts themselves present a challenge, with dimensions that differ from those at other campuses, making adaptation a key focus.

The swimming team has had to overcome significant obstacles too, the biggest one being the unavailability of the pool for an entire semester. “That set us back a lot, considering our practice was going quite strong before that.” admitted the swimming team captain, Nandini Tomar. Despite this, the team has doubled down on endurance and strength training, both in and out of the water. Another challenge has been participation—while the turnout for the boys’ team has been solid, the girls’ events have seen lower numbers. “We’re hoping for more participation this year, and as captain, I want to lead by example and show we can perform under pressure.” Additionally, the unpredictable weather posed difficulties for outdoor sports, forcing players to adapt their practice schedules. Despite these challenges, their spirits remain high. These setbacks have only fueled their determination, with each player committed to being at their best for Arena.

Arena promises a packed schedule of exhilarating sports and activities. From high energy matches in football and basketball to the precision and grace of badminton and tennis, there’s something for everyone. Track and swimming events will add to the excitement, showcasing speed, endurance and resilience. Additionally, look out for crowd favorite games such as volleyball, hockey and cricket that bring buzzing moments every year.

During Arena, the campus transforms into a focal point of energy and excitement. Colourful stalls line the pathways, offering snacks, drinks and merchandise. The synchronized cheers and roars of the crowd during every match create an electrifying atmosphere. Whether a team wins or faces setbacks, they emerge from Arena stronger, better and united by the experience. It’s through these challenges and triumphs that they build lasting bonds and memories, making every moment of Arena meaningful.

As the event draws near, we invite everyone to come out and show their support for our incredible teams. This isn’t just a sports fest. It’s a celebration of camaraderie, passion, growth and the shared spirit of the campus. Whether you’re right in the middle of the action or cheering from the sidelines, every voice matters. Every chant fuels the fire.

Arena 2025 is here. Are you ready?