Pune: MIT Art, Design and Technology (MIT ADT) University, Vishwarajbaug, Pune, is set to host the 8th edition of the Vishwanath Sports Meet (VSM–2026), one of the country’s largest national inter-university sports festivals, from January 23 to 28, 2026, at its state-of-the-art sports complex.

The opening ceremony will be held on Friday, January 23, in the presence of Padma Shri, Arjuna Awardee and Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh, who will inaugurate the tournament. The event will be presided over by Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, founder of the MIT Education Group. Dignitaries including Vinit Kumar, Deputy Director General and Senior Executive Director, Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS), SAI, Major Dhyan Chand Awardee badminton player Tripti Murgunde, Executive President of MIT ADT University Prof. Dr. Mangesh Karad, and Dr. Sunita Karad will also be present.

The valedictory and prize distribution ceremony will take place on January 28, with Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee, Asian gold medallist in rowing Captain Bajrang Lal Takhar (VSM) presenting the awards. Olympian and Arjuna Award-winning swimmer Virdhawal Khade and Major Dhyan Chand Awardee rower Smita Shirole-Yadav will be the chief guests.

The competition will witness intense contests among athletes across 15 sporting disciplines, including cricket, football, badminton, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, tennis, table tennis, kho-kho, water polo, chess, swimming, indoor rowing, boxing and archery, promising high-energy performances and keen competition throughout the tournament.

Initiated under the inspiration of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath Karad and spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Mangesh Karad, the Vishwanath Sports Meet aims to promote a strong sporting culture among university students and create pathways for nurturing high-performance athletes.

Speaking about the event, Prof. Dr. Mangesh Karad, Executive President and Pro Vice-Chancellor, MIT ADT University, said, “The Vishwanath Sports Meet has evolved into a national platform that not only celebrates competitive excellence but also instils discipline, teamwork and leadership among young athletes. With participation from over 135 institutions and more than 5,000 players, VSM–2026 reflects our commitment to nation-building through sports.”

Spread across a 150+ acre campus with world-class sports infrastructure, the tournament is being organised under the theme ‘Nation Building Through Sports’. This year, over 5,000 players from more than 135 educational institutions and universities have registered to compete in 15 sporting disciplines. The campus is expected to host over 10,000 athletes and coaches during the five-day event, transforming it into a vibrant hub of sporting activity.

Registrations for the tournament are still open, and sportspersons from across the state are encouraged to participate, said Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rajesh S., Registrar Dr. Mahesh Chopade, and Sports Director and Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee Prof. Padmakar Phad.