Chandigarh/Mohali, March 1, 2026: The Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) successfully organised its National Sports Meet 2026 from February 27 to March 1 in the Chandigarh–Mohali region, drawing participation from over 250–300 delegates representing 14 regional chapters across India. Hosted jointly by the Haryana and Punjab Regional Chapters, the three-day event featured more than 120 matches across 8 major sporting disciplines, making it one of the largest and most engaging inter-chapter gatherings of ITPI in recent years. The initiative aimed to promote physical fitness, strengthen professional bonds, and encourage informal interaction among planners beyond conventional conferences and seminars.
The event commenced with an energetic inaugural ceremony, where teams assembled in coordinated kits, symbolising unity and regional pride. Addressing the gathering, Sports Committee Chairman Sanjay Kumar emphasised, “In our profession, we plan cities for better living; this event reminds us to also plan for our own well-being.” His remarks set the tone for a meeting that prioritised participation as much as performance. Over the course of three days, participants competed in a diverse range of indoor and outdoor events, including cricket, badminton, table tennis, chess, carrom, volleyball, and athletics, with cricket emerging as the most widely followed sport, accounting for over 35% of total matches conducted.
The competitions were marked by both intensity and camaraderie. In cricket, the Haryana Regional Chapter dominated the tournament, securing the championship title with consistent performances, while the Punjab and Uttar Pradesh teams finished as strong contenders in the top ranks. In badminton, players from Karnataka and Maharashtra chapters delivered standout performances in singles and doubles categories. Table tennis saw close finals, with representatives from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh showcasing exceptional skill, while chess and carrom events highlighted the strategic acumen of participants, with several matches extending into closely contested endgames. Overall, more than 60 medals and 25 trophies were awarded across categories, recognising both individual excellence and team achievements.
Beyond the field, the event was enriched by motivational sessions that resonated deeply with participants. Renowned wrestler Sangram Singh inspired the audience with his powerful message: “Winning is not always about defeating others; it is about overcoming your own limits.” He emphasised discipline, resilience, and consistency as key traits not only for athletes but also for professionals. Similarly, Gurjot Singh Kaler, Superintendent of Police and mountaineer, shared insights from his expeditions, stating, “Whether you are climbing a mountain or planning a city, success depends on preparation, teamwork, and the ability to adapt.” His address highlighted the parallels between physical endurance and professional challenges in urban planning.
Participants also shared their experiences, reflecting the broader impact of the event. A young planner from the Odisha chapter noted, “This is the first time I interacted with so many professionals outside a formal setting—it feels like one unified community.” A senior participant from Delhi remarked, “The sports meet has broken barriers between generations of planners; we competed together, learned together, and connected beyond work.” Many attendees appreciated the opportunity to discuss planning challenges informally, exchange ideas, and build networks that could lead to future collaborations.
The event concluded with a grand valedictory ceremony, where the Haryana Regional Chapter was घोषित as the Overall Champion, securing the highest number of wins across multiple events, followed by strong performances from Punjab and other participating teams. While awards and rankings marked competitive success, the larger achievement of the sports meet lay in its ability to foster unity, promote well-being, and strengthen the professional fabric of ITPI.
Overall, the ITPI National Sports Meet 2026 stood out not only for its scale—with hundreds of participants, dozens of matches, and multiple sporting categories—but also for its impact in bringing together the planning community in a meaningful and engaging way. The event concluded on a high note, leaving participants with renewed energy, stronger networks, and a shared sense of belonging, reinforcing the idea that professional excellence is best complemented by physical well-being and collective spirit.
TheAPN attended this event in person. The coverage distils the principal ideas and deliberations for the benefit of a wider public audience.