3-day competition under the Institute’s ‘Annaivarakum IITM’ (IITM For All) initiative will bring together 27 schools across three categories to introduce young athletes to the innovative three-team sport
CHENNAI, July 02: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is hosting India’s first-ever OmegaBall Tournament for School Students from 2nd to 4th July 2026 in the campus, bringing together around 270 students from 27 schools from across Tamil Nadu to experience the fast-paced and innovative sport for the first time.
The tournament features schools across three categories — Government Schools, Government-Aided Matriculation Schools and CBSE/ICSE/IB Schools — with nine schools competing in each category on separate days. Each participating team will comprise 10 students.
Earlier this year, IIT Madras became the first institution in India to introduce OmegaBall through an inter-college tournament held on campus. Building on that milestone, IIT Madras, also the first IIT to introduce a Sports Excellence Admission (SEA), is now expanding the sport’s reach by introducing it to school students.
The Institute is also working towards establishing the IIT Madras OmegaBall Club at the national level to promote the sport across the country.
The Chief Guest for the first day (2nd July 2026) of the Tournament was Mr. Jockson Dhas, a mid-fielder who played for Chennaiyin FC (a professional football club based in Chennai) in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Chief Guest for the second day (3rd July 2026) is Mr. Sinivasan Pandiyan, a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Gokulam Kerala in Indian Football League (IFL)
‘FAST-PACED FOOTBALL’
OmegaBall is a fast-paced and innovative variation of football played by three teams simultaneously on a circular field with three goals. Each team attacks two goals while defending one, creating continuous action, faster decision-making and a highly engaging spectator experience. The sport is rapidly gaining popularity in countries including the United States, Brazil and several parts of Europe as a modern alternative to conventional football formats.
Organised by Institute Gymkhana and the Office of the Dean (Students), IIT Madras, as part of the Institute’s ‘Annaivarakum IITM’ (IITM For All) initiative. The school tournament will be presided over by Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, along with Prof. Shruti Dubey, Advisor (Sports), IIT Madras, and Prof. Sudakaran Chandran, Co-Advisor (Sports), IIT Madras.
Elaborating on this first-of-its-kind tournament, Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, said, “Through the Annaivarakum IITM initiative, we aim to provide young learners exposure to innovative sporting formats that encourage teamwork, strategic thinking and physical fitness while making sports more engaging and inclusive. This tournament aims to introduce school students to emerging global sports while promoting greater participation in physical activity and teamwork.”
Unlike traditional football, OmegaBall is played on a circular pitch measuring approximately 50-55 metres in diameter, with three goals positioned 120 degrees apart. Matches are played in three periods of 13 minutes each, and the absence of the offside rule encourages fluid, attacking play and constant movement.
IIT Madras has already introduced OmegaBall to its student community, with around 100 students participating in demonstration matches. The enthusiastic response has encouraged the Institute to extend the sport to school students, with the long-term vision of nurturing young talent and creating pathways for Indian players to compete in future international OmegaBall competitions.
List of Government schools taking part in the tournament
1.GHSS MGR Nagar
2.GHSS Arumbakkam
3.CHSS MGR Nagar
4.GHSS Velachery
5.CHSS Maduvinkarai
6.GHSS Sholinganallur
7.CHSS Choolaimedu
8.PCKG Kodambakkam
9.CHSS Nungambakkam
List of Matriculation Schools taking part
1.Vana Vani, IIT Madras, Guindy
2.Wesley Higher Secondary School, Royapettah
3.Jeppiaar Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Shollinganallur
4.Nellai Nadar Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Kottivakkam,
5.Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Thiruvanmiyur
6.Kumararajah Muthiah Higher Secondary School
7.MCC higher secondary school, Chetpet
8.Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Perambur
9.Dr Gmttv Higher Secondary School, Sowcarpet
List of CBSE, ICSE, & IB schools taking part in the tournament
1.Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Madras, Guindy
2.Union Christian Public School, Chetpet
3.Sree Narayana Mission Senior Secondary School, West Mambalam
4.Unity public school, Kotturpuram
5.Maharishi Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Chetpet
6.Chettinad Vidyashram CBSE School, M.R.C Nagar
7.PSBB Millennium School, Gerugambakkam
8.Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary CBSE School, K.K. Nagar
9.Vels International ISCE school, Injambakkam