Bhubaneswar, 5th January, 2025: The 9th SAI Olympics, SAI International’s yearly sports showcase, ended today at SAI International Residential School, after several days that highlighted athletic skill, teamwork, and the power of the human spirit. The event ran on 18th, 19th, and 20th December 2024, with the big finish set for Sunday, 5th January 2025. This year's games showed the school's strong focus on complete education through sports, under the theme Panchakosha Vikas. Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, joined as the Chief Guest. Olympian Srabani Nanda, Odisha's well-known sprint runner, came as the Guest of Honour. Students from many classes took part in this SAI Olympics with great energy. Parents showed up in big numbers even on a Sunday, to root for their kids.
SAI International chose Panchakosha Vikas as the theme for this year's SAI Olympics to spotlight students' all-around growth. This theme has its roots in old Indian thinking and aims to nurture five parts of human life—body, mind, feelings, smarts, and spirit. By bringing these ideas into sports, the school wants to build toughness, teamwork, self-control, and inner peace. This helps students become well-rounded people ready to do well in all areas of life. This approach shows SAI's goal to create happy eager learners who do great on and off the field. The end event was a big show. Important guests came, including Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma IAS, who leads the Sports and Youth Services Department for Odisha's government, and Srabani Nanda, a famous runner from Odisha who went to the Olympics. They praised the students for their drive and hard work. They also said these kinds of events play a big part in shaping future leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma remarked, “I cannot talk about sports without mentioning two legends—Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar. They began their cricket journey together, both brimming with extraordinary talent. Yet, in a pivotal match against the West Indies, Kambli struggled with the short ball and never played that match again. The difference was not talent but the ability to learn from failure. Kambli never learned how to fail. This is the essence of sports—it teaches you how to fail, how to learn, and how to bounce back stronger. The facilities here at SAI International are among the best resources you’ll find, and I hope each one of you makes the most of them to not only win but also grow in resilience, character, and grit.” He further remarked, “The word Olympics carries a profound significance, evoking a sense of pride and aspiration in every Indian. SAI International’s inclusive approach, ensuring students engage in a variety of sports, embodies the true spirit of the Olympic ideal. Events like these provide invaluable experiences that build not only skills but character.”
Olympian Srabani Nanda added, “It is heartening to see such energy and dedication among these young athletes. Sports teach discipline, resilience, and the importance of participation. The efforts of SAI International to foster these values through the SAI Olympics are truly commendable.”
The school's top-notch Bijaya Maidan and Bijoy Indoor Stadium at SAI International School became lively arenas, since the commencement of the SAI Olympics, where students competed hard in sports like track and field, soccer, basketball, badminton, swimming, chess, karate, and ping pong. The last day's big events included the exciting 100-Meter Race for Grades XI and XII, and the 4x100-Meter Relays for boys and girls in different grades, at the state-of-the-art SAI International Stadium at SAI International Residential School
Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, Dr. Silpi Sahoo, emphasized that the true purpose went beyond winning medals; it was about fostering leadership, collaboration, and emotional strength alongside academic excellence. The SAI Olympics was a remarkable annual sports meet, showcasing the school's vision of preparing students for adversities they might come across when they go out in the real world, out of their comfort zone.
The SAI Olympics was more than just a competition - it was a celebration of the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students. Through sports, students learned valuable life skills , aligning with the theme this year, Panchakosha Vikas. , and the school's holistic approach to quality education.
Parent Testimonials: Voices of Appreciation
1. On Practicing Cultural Wisdom:
“As parents, witnessing the magnificence of flawless teamwork at SAI International has filled our hearts with immense pride. Today’s program not only showcased the school’s dedication to holistic growth but also reflected the deep wisdom of our culture through concepts like Panch Koshas, Vayu Shastra, and Chakra science. The exceptional infrastructure and the tireless efforts of the entire SAI team have reinforced our belief that we are part of a truly visionary institution. Our heartfelt gratitude to the mentors, teachers, and leadership for creating such transformative experiences for our children.”
— Sneha Agarwal & Dr. Gaurav Agarwal
2. On the holistic benefits of residential education:
“As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how SAI’s residential education goes beyond academics. My son has not only excelled in sports but also developed discipline and leadership qualities. Events like the SAI Olympics make me proud to be part of a school that nurtures every aspect of a child’s personality—body, mind, and spirit. It’s a gift to see him grow into a confident individual, ready to take on challenges beyond the classroom.” —parent of a Class XI student.
3. On the spirit of the SAI Olympics:
“The SAI Olympics is more than a sports meet; it’s a family celebration. Watching my daughter compete and give her best fills me with pride. The organization, energy, and values instilled through such events are unparalleled. The school has created a platform where students learn resilience, teamwork, and the importance of participation—all while having fun!” — parent of a Class VI student.
4. On the inclusivity and excitement of the event:
“I loved seeing the sheer joy and determination in the children’s eyes during the races and games. The SAI Olympics brings the school community together in the best way possible. It’s not just about medals; it’s about building memories and teaching life lessons. My younger son has already declared he’s training for next year!” — parent of a Class IV student.