Plaksha University’s Sports Community

ATHLEDA EDITION #1
15 AUGUST 2023 | @INTRODUCINGATHLEDA

Sauhard Sharma|Malhar Bhise|Shubham Jain|Priyansh Desai|Nandini Prakarsh|Yashvi Maheshwari|Mudit Surana|Devansh Upadhayay|Dipit Golecha|Anshuman
Sharma|Vardan Vij|Krishnav Mahansaria|Dhruv srivastava|Vikas|Dhirain Vij

Introducing Athleda | Forging Fit Engineers at Plaksha University

At its core, Athleda is driven by a singular mission: to produce fit

engineers who possess not only the intellectual prowess to
reimagine technology but also the physical vitality to lead a
healthy and active lifestyle. In the fast-paced world of academia
and innovation, the significance of holistic well-being is often
overlooked. Athleda seeks to rectify this by nurturing individuals
who understand the symbiotic relationship between a sound
mind and a healthy body.

As a beacon within Plaksha University, Athleda strives to create

an environment where engineering excellence converges with
physical fitness, fostering a community of individuals who are
not just adept at pushing the boundaries of technology but are
also committed to crafting a robust and healthy way of life for
themselves and their peers.
Sports Secretary | Aanya Patil
Badminton

Plaksha Badminton
team at the
MITWPU Pune fest
(left)

The Badminton team at Plaksha comprises a talented group of players,

including Sauhard Sharma, Devesh Shah, Siddhant Deshpande, Lakshit
Tyagi,, Manish Bisht, Chandan Yadav and Samarth Anand. The team
boasts exceptional talent and a strong commitment to the sport, with
Sauhard and Devesh shining as national-level players, consistently
delivering commendable performances. Siddhant has also made his mark
at the state level, while the remaining members have extensive
experience participating in district or zonal tournaments for their
respective alma maters.

Over the past year, the team has actively participated in various
tournaments, showcasing their prowess. They reached the quarterfinals
in the MITWPU Pune fest and replicated the same success at the Jindal
Global University sports fest. Their most recent participation of the team
was at the Shiv Nadar University's sports fest in November 2023, where
the entire team displayed remarkable resilience and a fighting spirit,
leaving a lasting impression.

The team's dedication to badminton is unwavering, and they are eagerly

looking forward to future opportunities. Athleda is committed to
supporting the team's growth and development. Our next planned event
is the Intra-Plaksha Badminton championship, scheduled for January or
February 2024. Additionally, we are also exploring the possibility of
participating or further hosting inter-university tournaments with
colleges in the Chandigarh Tricity, further fueling the team's competitive
spirit.
Table Tennis

Girls’ Team: Khushi Goel, Japsahaj Kaur, Pehar

Jhamb, Suhani Shrivastava and Surabhi Tannu

Boys’ Team: Hriday Rathi, Lakshya Goenka,

Mihir Narula, Mohil Ahuja and Yash Srivastava

The Table Tennis team at Plaksha is a dynamic group consisting of five girls
and five boys, showcasing exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
These players consistently strive for improvement, each contributing distinct
skills and techniques to the team's success.
Among the Girls' team's five members, Japsahaj Kaur, Khushi Goel, and Pehar
Jhamb are national-level players, adding to the team's expertise. On the boys'
team, Lakshya Goenka has played at the States level, while Yash Srivastava
and Mohil Ahuja have participated till the district-level. Mihir Narula's
commendable performance extends to the North-India regionals.
In February 2023, the Girls' table tennis team achieved a significant
milestone by securing the 1st Runners-up position at Ashoka University's
Sports fest Agneepath. This triumph marked the first trophy brought home by
any Plaksha team, with the team comprising of Avishi Rajgarhia, Japsahaj Kaur,
and Khushi Goel.
More recently, both the boys' and girls' teams participated in Shiv Nadar
University's sports fest in November 2023, demonstrating outstanding
performances. The Girls' team, represented by Khushi Goel, Japsahaj Kaur and
Pehar Jhamb, advanced to the quarter-finals, showcasing resilience and skill.
The boys’ team was represented by Yash Srivastava, Hriday Rathi, Lakshya
Goenka and Mohil Ahuja. This enriching experience has fuelled the teams'
enthusiasm, and they eagerly anticipate future sports festivals in the
upcoming semester.
All ten players across both teams exemplify commitment, devoting
themselves wholeheartedly to the sport and consistently striving to enhance
their skills. Athleda is committed to providing opportunities for the team, and
the next event we have planned is an Intra-Plaksha Table Tennis
championship to be held in January or February 2024.
Lawn Tennis

Boys’ Team: Shubham Jain and Priyansh Desai

Girls’ Team: Bhavi Bhavi and Avishi Rajgarhia

The Plaksha University Tennis Team, a blend of vigor and talent, comprises a
group of dedicated athletes, with an equal mix of girls and boys. Their passion
for the sport is evident in their training and performance. The team stands out
for its high-caliber players, including two national-level players in the men's
team, Shubham Jain and Priyansh Desai and one in the women's team, Bhavi.

In the realm of competition, the team has recently tested their mettle at
prestigious tournaments. The boys' team participated in the MIT-WPU Pune
Tournament and the Jindal University Tournament, where despite facing
tough opponents in the group stages, the team demonstrated remarkable
tenacity. Their efforts, though not always leading to victory, were a learning
experience, contributing significantly to their growth and team spirit. The
girls' team, equally competitive, is preparing for upcoming tournaments,
aiming to mirror and exceed their peers' accomplishments. Their journey at
Jindal's tournament was particularly noteworthy, where they reached the
semifinals, demonstrating a blend of skill, teamwork, and sheer determination.

A notable challenge for the Plaksha Tennis Team has been the inconsistency
in coaching. The fluctuation in coaching staff has impacted the team's
performance and morale. A consistent coaching approach is anticipated to
bring more structured training, strategic development, and hopefully, more
laurels to the team and the university. This will enhance the team's overall
performance, refining their techniques, and increasing engagement in tennis
within the university community.
Volleyball

The Volleyball journey at Plaksha University is a testament to the collective

spirit, perseverance, and growth of both the girls' and the boys’ team. The
team boasts a dynamic mix of talent. Their journey began with the ambitious
goal of building a team from scratch, integrating both seasoned players and
enthusiastic beginners.

A standout achievement came at Op Jindal College, where the girls’ team

secured the second position, marking a significant milestone in the team's
progression. This success showcased the team's growing prowess and their
ability to compete at a high level, even against more established opponents.

To further enhance their skills and maintain a competitive edge, the team
actively engaged in regular friendly matches with local colleges. These
matches not only provided exposure but also created an environment that
fueled the competitive spirit within the team. Athleda, fully committed and
dedicated, ensures that both the girls' and boys' teams receive the best
possible facilities and opportunities for growth.

In order to cultivate a spirit of sportsmanship within the college community,

an intramural tournament was thoughtfully organized. This internal
tournament not only provided an additional platform for students to showcase
their sporting prowess but also created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Looking ahead, both teams are gearing up for the upcoming sports fests in
different colleges, eager to showcase their skills and competitive spirit on a
broader stage. The anticipation for these events reflects the collective
enthusiasm and dedication of both the girls' and boys' teams, as they continue
to strive for excellence in the world of volleyball at Plaksha University.
Football

Plaksha and IISER

teams after a
gruelling match
(left),
Plaksha football
Captain Malhar
Bhise in action in a
match at Amity
University (down).

Our football team stands as a testament to diversity and unity,

comprising players from all batches and even boasting an international
member among our ranks. Over the past year, despite limited
opportunities in major tournaments, our initiative shone through as we
took charge, organizing matches against all neighbouring colleges, and
locking horns with the likes of IISER Mohali, Amity University, NIPER
Mohali, and INST Mohali. What's truly remarkable is our unbeaten
streak against all these formidable opponents.

Our team embodies an unwavering spirit, evident in the meticulous

chalk powder markings we lay ourselves before every match on our
ground. Despite the challenges thrown our way, be it the damage
inflicted by heavy monsoons on our field or the series of injuries, we've
remained resolute. Training relentlessly on the small patches of flat
land we salvage, our determination remains unyielding. The team trains
5 days a weak despite our hectic academic schedules.

In our university's intramural tournament, a record 70 students

actively participated, amplifying the vibrant football culture within our
community. Looking ahead, our sights are set on expanding our
horizons, aiming to venture into more tournaments, hone our skills
further, and clinch more victories. Organizing tournaments of our own
is also on the horizon, a testament to our unwavering dedication to the
beautiful game.
Basketball

At Plaksha University, our Boys Basketball team soared to victory,

clinching the inaugural Inter Plaksha Invitational Tournament '23 by
triumphing over Chitkara University and securing wins against
strong rivals like Amity University. An international player enriches
our team, symbolizing the global essence of basketball.

Meanwhile, the Girls Basketball team, though facing challenges,

remains steadfast and motivated, embodying resilience despite
some match losses.

The university's Intra Plaksha Basketball Tournament saw around

50 enthusiastic participants in a mixed tournament for both boys
and girls. The event culminated in a thrilling final that went into
overtime, showcasing the vibrant basketball culture thriving within
our community.

Looking forward, our teams aim to expand their horizons,

participating in more tournaments while nurturing their skills. They
also aspire to host tournaments of their own, a testament to their
unwavering dedication to the sport they love.

Plaksha's basketball teams exemplify resilience, unity, and a passion

for the game, inspiring others with their commitment and
sportsmanship.
Plakshathon

The Plaksha tree was created and birthed by its founders and trustees, they planted a sapling that
had the limitless potential to grow into a community that is extremely tight-knit and full of calibre.
They later formed the body of the tree that is steady, and strong and holds the network together.
The plaksha alumni network forms the roots of this tree that tie the evolution together and
reinforce the tree's life force. With the young and energetic branches emerging from our tree
every year, it is important to ensure they know of the strength of the base that holds them. What if
we could give this interaction and relationship a healthy stimulus? For the same reason,
Plakshathon (Plaksha Community Marathon) was born.

The third edition of Plakshathon witnessed resounding success, attracting over 190 registrations
across two tracks: 5km and 10km. Participants were thoughtfully provided with bib numbers,
personalized with their names and categories for easy identification. The event was graced by the
esteemed Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rudra Pratap, and our Founder Mr. SK Jain. The winners were
felicitated with goodies by our sponsor Decathlon, and their outstanding performance was
appreciated by the organisers and guests.

Overall, It brought together fitness enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, providing them with a
platform to showcase their talents and surpass their limits. The event garnered positive feedback
from both participants and guests alike, sparking anticipation and preparations for the upcoming
edition of this exhilarating marathon.
Chak De Plaksha

Chak De Plaksha is an annual sports event held around the orientation week. Just like every year,
this year as well it was fun to host it for the batch of 2027. We had many fun sports activities like
dodgeball, capture the flag, an epic tug-of-war competition and much more.

Frisbee
The fields of Plaksha University were alive
with an Ultimate Frisbee tournament that
brought together teams Jhelum, Raavi,
Beas, Satluj, and Chenab in a playful
diversion from their studies. The event
was less about the points scored and
more about the joy and unity fostered
among the students. Team Raavi
ultimately claimed the title, yet every
participant left enriched with shared
experiences that transcended the sport
itself, embodying Athleda's vision of a
balanced university life.

The energy of the tournament seamlessly

transitioned into an equally thrilling intra-
batch contest among UG27, UG26, and
UG25. The matches were tight, brimming
with enthusiasm and unforgettable
moments. UG26 triumphed, but the true
highlight was the collective celebration
that ensued, solidifying the event as yet
another vibrant expression of Plaksha's
dynamic sports scene.