Issue 4 editorial

BOSM is about sportspersons, their performance and the games. But where would all this be without the cheering spectators. As I sat in the stands with cheering audience – ranging from random local residents passing cheap remarks to sophisticated sideline coaching by on-site experts, the power of sports as a unifying force hit me. At the same time, there is also the realization that the whole atmosphere is created by the audience and probably the players would perform somewhat differently if the stands were all empty. When BEP had spoken to captains earlier, they had complained about lack of support from BITS students in terms of cheering for the teams. The crowds have turned up in good numbers this year and players must be feeling a lot better about it.
Another random observation about BOSM: it seems a lot more like pure sports. No sports psychologists around, no funky analysis equipment and no expert physiotherapists. But all the same mind games are played; teams compete fiercely with total seriousness.
We have been watching all this and more from the closest quarters possible. We would like to thank our readers for their encouragement. Our blog has received a tremendous response, with over 750 views in a day. A lot of alumni from different parts of the world have also been visiting it. Live blogging has received live comments too. So for the next day our total focus will be on the blog and there will be no print issue on Sunday as the Reprography facilities are closed on that day. Third Base will be back on Monday with post fest reviews, round-ups and much more.

Issue three Editorial

Sometimes when there is a lot happening all around, when things have moved far from their roots, it becomes necessary to sit back and re-examine the basics and get the perspective right. The purpose of a college sports fest like BOSM is to give opportunity to show sport skills and learn through participating in events. But one cannot help but wonder if there is enough learning happening at this stage. Team-building, gamesmanship, treating the opponent fairly and with respect are all important learning points but so are meeting new people, developing tolerance for diversity in all aspects, broadening the understanding of things. The level of interaction between outstation participants and hosts just do not match up to expectations. But again the question arises – whose expectation? May be we have set the bar somewhere low enough to not bother about it.
Day one is over and so is some part of day two. We have seen some great matches, some forgettable ones. The society’s self created notion of hierarchy in sports is the reason for a lot of imbalances and frustrations. But the effort of BEP has been to cover all sports. Third Base will be back again with more news and views. Till then, play, cheer or jeer but join in anyway!

Panel Discussion

The BEP event, slated to begin at 5:00, got off to a rocky start forty five minutes behind schedule. However, the initial hiccups over the court set-up and the sound systems did not dampen the atmosphere. The panel were on the court and raring to go, even to the extent of beginning the discussion amongst themselves before the event began. The panel comprised Mr.G.K Pillai, CMD of Heavy Engineering Corporation, flown in from Ranchi especially for the evening, Dr. B.R Natarajan, Dean DLPD, the captain of the boys’ table tennis team of BITS, Pilani, Abhijit Kamath and former captain of the BITS girls’ basketball team, Smitha. And interestingly, also present were some of the local sports stars of back in the day- Arjuna award winners, national level players, state champions, winners of the President’s award for athletics- all from in and around Pilani, adding a personal touch to the otherwise formal event. The topic for the discussion was “Revitalizing sports in India- Policy Changes and Campus Involvement.” As the moderator, K.Ramya so perfectly put it, issues like these, however distant they seem, are in reality much closer to home than we realise.

Mr. G.K Pillai is an alumnus who has made BITS proud on the hockey field, playing at the national level in various tournaments. Mr. Pillai, having been active in the sporting society of our country, has an understanding of the situation as it stands today and provided valuable insights. The first thing he stressed on was that many changes must be brought about in the sporting scenario of our country and yet, in our planning of these changes we mustn’t be restricted by expectations of gold medals or instant fame. Dr. Natarajan stressed on the point that playing a sport goes a long way in developing a professional attitude and instils a drive to work hard and succeed; establishing the fact that ‘sport’ encompasses so much in terms of learning experiences.

Coming to the changes that the system must see, the primary point raised seemed to be lack of awareness. The students on the panel voiced their opinion that pressure from society prevents college students to take sport seriously, in turn encouraging an academic curriculum that is not conducive to the kind of training that competitive sport requires. This results in polarisation of the student population, one group purely academic and the other, purely concentrating on a professional sports career. However, Mr.Pillai rubbished the idea of sports quota calling it another method for backdoor entry to institutions.

In conclusion, the panel agreed unanimously that the introduction of some sport in the curriculum of colleges would be a great first step towards ‘revitalizing sport’ in our country, and at a very basic level, learning to take sport seriously. Dr Natarajan, also went to the extent of saying that someday he would like to see graduates from the IISS- the Indian Institutes of Sporting Sciences, a statement that was greeted with much applause from the audience. Ultimately, only when we start viewing sport as a necessary component to lead a healthy and satisfying life and not as an investment with out of proportions return, will we be able to see the real benefits that “play” can give us. Mr. Pillai bid Pilani goodbye on a positive note, saying that creation of awareness was a key factor and the panel discussion itself was a step in that direction. With these thoughts and ideas fresh in our minds, let’s greet the next three days of BOSM with a vigour and enthusiasm worthy of sport in all its vitality.

Fear Factor

Fear Factor, the all-new extreme adventure event organized by BOSM Sponz promises to be one which will keep your adrenalin levels high throughout its duration. The event gives the people who are not involved in the various sporting events a chance to show their physical prowess off the courts. Fear Factor will include activities like Zorbing, Rock Climbing, Flying Trapese and Spider Web. It is being organized by the Wanderlust Adventure Sports India, which is a well established player in this business. These events will commence from the tomorrow, the 13th and might continue for another day if the response is good. Students can sign up for individual events as well. All the participants would be equipped with proper safety gears so safety would be a non-issue. Mess signings for Fear Factor began yesterday and the response has been very encouraging. So if you think you are up to the challenge, go for it.

The newest cousins are here!

The evening of first day of BOSM saw some surprise participants in this fest – a team from the BITS Hyderabad campus. The campus started operations only as late as 28th August, 2008. So essentially in fifteen days time, the campus has sent out students to participate in a fest! The team has come here along with Mr. Gurnam Singh, Physical Director, BITS, Hyderabad campus. It consists of two girls and four boys. They are participating in Table Tennis, Carroms, Chess and Badminton events. Irrespective of their performance here, it is reassuring to see the newest members of BITS, Pilani’s extended network of campuses so eagerly participating in extra curricular activities so soon. The experience will definitely help the accompanying faculty and the students in organizing similar fest in their college. This is in sync with the approach BITS, Hyderabad campus has taken from day one wherein they invited some BITS, Pilani alumni to the orientation to understand how clubs and departments can be promoted on campus.

'Ignition' still in cold

The much awaited cyber gaming event, Ignition has been cancelled again this year. It was originally planned for last BOSM but things did not work out then. This BOSM things looked much better but the Sports Secretary has confirmed that the event cannot happen this BOSM. The main reason given to BEP is that the company with which there was to be a tie up was operating in a manner which was not according to institute’s normal procedures. Another problem was that World Gaming Championship in Delhi was clashing with this event. However, 2 days ago that championship got postponed as well. But now it is too late to work out things and hence the decision to cancel the event. So for all the gaming freaks in Pilani, it is another long year of waiting.

It's War time!

While BOSM excites those who dare to push the limits within the sporting arena, there are those who are watching and observing everything. These are the ones who prefer trivia crunching to actually playing on the field. These are the ones who can’t shoot a hoop but can surely tell you who the only person in NBA history to have scored 100 points in a single game is. (Psst it’s Wilt Chamberlain)

This Friday (12th September) the auditorium will play host to the sports trivia maniacs on campus at 5.30 PM to win the coveted title of the BOSM Sports Quiz.
Teams of upto 3 members are allowed.

The quiz is going to be a colossal 5 hour mega event. Rumours that it’s a “never-ending-quiz-till-you-drop-dead” event have also surfaced in the recent couple of days.

And what if you don’t make it on stage? Don’t worry! Do stay behind, for our men at BOSM Sponz have done a wonderful job of getting companies to sponsor loads of goodies which shall be given as audience prizes.

Issue 2 editorial

After months of planning, BOSM has finally started. We are playing host to the largest number of participants so far. We have the highest sponsorship so far. I am sure you’ve heard these statements a lot of times earlier with reference to this fest. However, even after meticulous planning and care in implementation, there are always so many things that come down to last minute decisions, split second choices and in the face deadlines. Only the people who have been closely involved with the fest will know what went on behind the scenes. The chaos that was inside. The calm that is projected outside. But somehow things always happen. They fall into place. This is so characteristic of student fests and probably the reason why we leave every edition of the fest with more experience to make the next one even better.

The inauguration ceremony was a well managed affair. The crowds turned up in huge numbers. This was in sync with the rising importance that sports are getting in BITS. First it was the football league and then its basketball version that ensured that Gym G sees some activity through out the year. How tomorrow will shape up remains unknown. The scheduling is going on, changes will still be made. But then we are students – ready for anything, anywhere, anytime. Even with all this uncertainty, once on the field order will prevail. With this belief and spirit, things will always fall into place. But whatever happens tomorrow, you can be sure that the Third Base team will be there to cover it. So keep reading.

Monkeying Around

With BOSM finally underway, the soaring enthusiasm levels have reached sky high. Hoping to capitalise on this mounting frenzy is the department of Informalz, that has planned plenty of fun events this BOSM. We spoke to the Informalz co-ord, Anviksha Khare, who gave us a round-up of all the events in store. First up is Monkey Kick-off. A game in which you kick the ball as far as you can, it is the humanoid version of a highly popular flash game that had the campus crazed last sem. Scrabble, the battle of words, and human foosball are the two other new introductions this year. Anti-chess, where you “lose to win” and tug of war, the ultimate test of brawn are the events continuing from last time. There will also be crosswords and quizzes available at major hang-outs like Gym g and SAC that people can solve and drop in at the Informalz booth. Anviksha said that plenty of experimentation has gone in this BOSM and she hopes that it will pull crowds of BITSians and outstis alike to the Informalz booth.

Hearsay

EPC sounded a few outstation participants out to gauge the general response to BOSM. Here is a selection of their responses.

Ritu and Mansi, both first-timers at BOSM from the MITS volleyball team, expressed satisfaction with the place and barring the temperature, their stay (so far) has been comfortable. They added that their team was hopeful about their medal chances.

In the words of the football team captain of RGIT, Mumbai, “The atmosphere here is thrilling and it feels great to be here. We are overwhelmed with the welcome we have received.”“Looking at the amazing turnout for the meet we look forward to have some intense competition. We are very well prepared and will give our best. The facilities provided are very satisfactory”, said the Cricket Captain, JGJ College.

Overall, the organizers can take heart from the participants’ positive responses to the arrangements made, though accommodation has remained a long-standing sore point with the outstation teams.

Inauguration

It was 8 in the morning, and he was sleeping as usual. And a minute later, his eyes lit up, he had got it. He had got THE IDEA. Add a few more of those ‘eye-illuminating’ ideas and a month later it culminated into the 23rd BITS Open Sports Meet (BOSM).

BOSM 2008 was given a kick start this 9th September, with the inaugural ceremony commencing at 7 PM, at the Gym Grounds. Teams from all over India had assembled at the grounds, and we could all feel the thrill and excitement in the air. The ceremony began with the distribution of mementos by the sports secretary to the Vice-Chancellor, and other dignitaries. The teams were then introduced, after which all 25 of them assembled on the basketball court. The oath-taking ceremony began and vows to play fair and to play well were taken.

At around 7:35 PM, the inaugural basketball match between BITS and IP College, Delhi began with loud cheers and roars from the crowd, the excitement indeed was infectious. Every failed attempt was lamented; every point scored was clapped and cheered for. The match was as exciting as it should have been. At half time, the scoreboard read 10-6, us in the lead. After play resumed the match just got more one sided, with BITS scoring 8 more points. By the end of the match BITS emerged victorious, with the score line saying 18-8.

With four days to go, and many more matches yet to be held, our teams will surely make us proud.

Rec 'n' Acc

Rec' and Acc' is going all out this BOSM to ensure that everyone who comes to Pilani spends a comfortable four days here. Commitment levels are on an incredible high and the enthusiasm was evident as work began last night, with the first arrivals of outstation participants. The EPC spoke to Vandana, the COSSACN of the department about the fest, and some of the major changes that Rec' and Acc' have made for this BOSM.

The entire registration procedure has been revamped and made an online one, with use of efficient software that will make the whole process more convenient and accurate. Rec' and Acc' has also arranged for a shuttle of sorts to ferry outstation participants from the Rec' and Acc' booth or the main gate to their respective accommodation. "The routes will be operable all day and prove to be especially helpful to participants given accommodation in staff quarters at the far end of campus" Vandana emphasized.

This department of 30 volunteers and 25 core members has also been seriously working on smoothing out last year's wrinkles. BOSM 2007 was witness to many complaints regarding cleanliness of the rooms provided to participants and in order to ensure a better response this year, special care has been taken to ensure cleanliness. Problems faced last year with respect to congestion are also a distant memory this year, with the upper common rooms in the boys' bhavans also being given as accommodation. Twenty out of thirty coaches have also been provided with single room accommodation.

Vandana also stressed on how supportive the Dean SWD, Prof N V Muralidhar Rao and the Chief Warden, Prof S K Varma have been over the past one month, saying that their cooperation has helped them infintely. And to sum it up, in the words of the COSSACN, Rec and Acc for BOSM 2008, "Ultimately, all of us want every outstation participant to leave BOSM wanting to come back next year."

The Gaming Geeks - A Sneak Peek at Ignition (Third Base Issue One)

A fact that very few people know about BOSM is that its largest event does not involve any muscle movement exceeding 30 cm. For the sake of those who are as slow as the one who wrote this report, we’re talking about Ignition - The LAN gaming challenge. With a sponsorship of 1.2 lakhs and over 50 out of the total 200+ participants being outstation clans, Ignition is all set to provide gamers with the adrenaline rush that they’ve always looked forward to.

The SAC main hall has been booked for the purpose, with gaming going on both during the day and night. Ignition has both clan games as well as individual games. Counter Strike, Age of Empires II, DOTA, Need for Speed and FIFA 08 are the competitive events that will take place throughout BOSM. In addition, 12 systems have been supplied by CRISIS whose usage will be without any charge, allowing interested individuals a chance to experience this new game on high specification systems.

BEP caught up with Parijat, a member of the organizing team, to find out a few more details of the event. Counter Strike is by far the most popular (No surprises there!) followed by DOTA and AOE in the clan category. And FIFA scores over NFS in the individual category. (Unfortunately, Unreal Tournament does not have enough takers to be held as an event here. Hopefully, this trend will soon change.) There was a definite word of appreciation towards the BITS management for allowing the event to happen (giving the kind of opposition that Gaming usually faces from most college managements) The total prize amount is 40,000 to 45,000 in both cash and kind, and there will be big screens put up for spectators to see the action from a first persons view.

Ignition was originally conceived as a means to popularise BOSM by attracting a more varied crowd. Though the event was planned out last year, it had to be cancelled due to the hardware suppliers backing out at the last moment. So it’s up in full vigour this time. Hopefully there will be some real “action” at SAC in the next three days...

Third Base Issue One Editorial

It is that time of the year again. Time when all attention is on Gym grounds for a change. When SAC is not just about departments putting enthu. This is the 23rd edition of the BITS Open Sports Meet (BOSM) and by the look of things, the fest seems to be going stronger than ever before. This BOSM is unique in the sense that it is a blend of things from past that we can’t leave behind and things of today that we can’t ignore to include. It is hard to keep anything isolated from the rest of the world. More so when you are talking about a vibrant student fest with close to 900 participants from all over India in addition to the hosts in Pilani. For the first time, cyber gaming will find a place in the sports festival. Sports as an entertainment package – that is the trend all over. The number of ‘auxiliary’ events this BOSM promises to make the fest a complete entertainment package – from panel discussion to a super selector like game.

Still at the heart of the fest will be the effort of sportspersons and the spirit of gamesmanship. Loads of reasons to cheer about this BOSM – maximum participation, highest sponsorship, diverse events and the Olympic cheer. Let us enjoy all this while they last over the next four to five days. At the Third Base, we will bring you the closest possible view without actually being in the picture itself. In some ways a justification for the name. This issue of the Third Base is all about the pre-fest preparation, the hard work of people who are not playing themselves but setting up the stage for others to compete.

In Total Control (Third Base Issue One)

BOSM is about to get underway and preparations for the same are in full swing. BOSM Controlz are naturally in the thick of things, what with all the registration, scheduling and organizing to be done. Department CoSSAcn Reeturaj Mishra said they keen to see to it that this BOSM turns out to be bigger and better than the last. A major worry in recent years has been the low attendance of BITSian spectators in the sporting events. To attract and retain their attention, some fun events are being planned by Department of Informalz and Jhankaar. Another new feature is Ignition 2k8, a gaming event that is bound to find many takers, considering the popularity of LAN games in the institute. In addition, BOSM Controlz plans to set up tents for spectators so they can watch the action comfortably. They also plan to upload results of completed matches at least twice a day and post updates and schedules in the messes on a daily basis. This year’s 23rd edition of BOSM will witness an unprecedented boom in the number of participants – up to 950 from 750 last year. Lastly, but importantly, Reeturaj hopes for a good response from the BITSian junta and much better attendance than last year’s disappointing figures.

Money Matters (Third Base Issue One)

Chintan Raghuvanshi, the BOSM SPONZ CoSSAcan, is very enthusiastic about our annual Sports Fest this year. And with good reason too. Thanks to the untiring efforts of his 45 man crew, BOSM has been able to accrue over Rs. 2 lakhs this year. Principal sponsors this year include Saras, UCO Bank, Indian Oil, Nestle and Domino's. Domino's is planning to setup a stall, and the Hindustan Times has agreed to be the media partner. When asked about his work for BOSM, Chintan who is called Chintu by friends and foes alike, replies candidly 'The work does get hard occasionally, but it is rewarding when BOSM is carried out succesfully.' The work has entailed quite a few trips to Delhi and Jaipur, and was partly interrupted by the ongoing strikes there. But despite all the hassles, Chintan and his team have managed to gather a very significant amount for BOSM this year. Here's hoping all their hard work pays off on the field and off it this BOSM.

'Accio' Outstis (Third Base Issue One)

“When it comes to BOSM, it is most important and rather challenging to ensure a balance between adequate participation and quality”, says PCR front man Kamal Ganeriwal. He gave us a glimpse into this year’s participation for the BITSIAN sports meet.

There are 900 participants, 730 boys and 170 girls, from 50 odd colleges as opposed to last year’s 800. This increase has been made possible by the SWD by rendering the upper common rooms of the boys’ Bhavans available for outstation accommodation. Amongst sports football has recorded the maximum no of teams (15) whereas hockey has recorded the least (2).Besides that we will have participation from 4 NITs, namely Allahabad, Patna, Surat and Jaipur. Certain other DU colleges have enlisted huge participation as well.

So this BOSM we can expect some quality sports action from the increased participation and hopefully many more BITSIAN medals.