Game On: April’s Power-Packed Sports Lineup at Ashoka

April at Ashoka University was nothing short of electric on the sports front. With a wide range of tournaments and inclusive events, students, staff, and even the extended community came together to celebrate athleticism, team spirit, and sheer joy. From record-breaking participation in flagship tournaments to heartwarming community initiatives, here’s a look back at the sporting highlights that made this month one to remember.

Ashoka Premier League (APL) 8.0 witnessed its largest-ever turnout with 25 teams and 250 players battling it out over four intense days from April 17th to 20th. After nail-biting matches and commendable sportsmanship, team Brocode FC emerged victorious, taking home the APL 8.0 title.

On April 4th, the Sports Enthusiasts Club hosted its first-ever online chess arena tournament via Lichess. The event, aptly named CHECKMATE, saw enthusiastic participation with over 30 registrations. The top performers were: Gold – Rajit, Silver – Saurabh, and Bronze – Arjun.

The beach vibes came alive at Ashoka as the Sports Ministry organised Suns Out Buns Out 2.0, a beach volleyball tournament held from April 4th to 6th. With 20 teams and over 70 participants, the tournament featured a group stage followed by knockout rounds. The finals saw Team Smash face off against Yessirskis, with Smash clinching the title in a thrilling showdown.

April 13th marked the first off-campus ride of the semester by the Cycling Club. Beginning at 7 AM, the 30 km ride to the Yamuna River Bank featured 21 enthusiastic riders. The group explored the rural landscape of Sonipat, interacted with locals, enjoyed a hearty meal at a local dhaba, and cycled through charming village trails, making it a memorable experience for all.

From April 11th to 13th, Ashoka’s men’s tennis team made us proud by securing first position at the sports fest hosted by Delhi Technological University (DTU).

April 19th saw the campus host Samaras, an inclusive sporting event jointly organised by SOBAC, Jazbaa, and the Sports Ministry. With a mission to celebrate unity and diversity through athletics, Samaras brought individuals of all abilities together to play, compete, and foster a strong sense of community and belonging.

In a heartwarming initiative, the Sports Ministry held a Sports Day for housekeeping staff on April 25th. Over 30 didis and bhaiyas joined in with childlike enthusiasm, participating in classics like tug of war and the lemon-and-spoon race. The joy was infectious, and many spoke of the nostalgia and happiness the event sparked.

Ashoka also saw its first-ever pickleball tournament, organised by the SEC from April 25th to 27th. With 30 teams in both Open Doubles and Mixed Doubles, the round-robin tournament was a smashing success. In the Open Doubles category, Sarthak & Mihir emerged as winners, with Dhruv & Manav as runners-up. In Mixed Doubles, Arya & Keerthana took home the trophy, while Aarush & Mehek were runners-up.

As the month winds down, the echoes of cheering crowds, the spirit of fair play, and the sense of togetherness still linger across the campus. April proved that at Ashoka, sports is more than just competition – it’s about community, inclusion, and creating memories that last well beyond the final whistle.