ByteKick

TH E FIRST-EVER SPORTS YEARB OOK CRA FTE D E XCLUSI VE LY FOR I T P ROFE SSI O NAL S The Ultimate IT Sports Showdown 1000+ IT Pros BonattthleeIFt iOeuldt Games Not Only for Fitness & Healthy Competition 500+ Kicking Up a Storm Teams The Epic IT Futsal Challenge That Had Everyone Talking 200+ A Display of Passion and Talent Companies An Abstract of the Badminton Games 7 Rise Like a pro Seasons Akhil Hits the Century in Just 26 Balls 1 www.futsal.bridge-global.com Event IT FUTSAL CHALLENGE 2023 ByteKick [1]

Contents Contents THE ZEALCONTINUES THE SUCCESSFUL ITPROS BATTLE ITOUT 04 WITH MOREVIGOUR 06 7 SEASONS 08 ON THE FIELD A brief anecdote of the event The IT Futsal Challenge has dominated A pioneering sports event organized by IT the scene for 7 successful seasons professionals to promote physical activity and healthy competition AN ABSTRACT TOTAL KICKING UPA 10 OFTHE EVENT 12 TEAMSAND EVENTS 14 STORM An abstract of all the games in the event The total number of teams in all An overview of women’s & men’s football categories event TAKEALOOK INTOTHE 16 MEN’S FUTSALSEMIS MEN’S FUTSAL 30 19 FINALS Detailed view on the men’s futsal semis 1. Zellis VS IQVIA | 2. Infosys VS Fragomen Infosys clinches Futsal Men’s Champion- ship with a dominating win over Zellis KEY PLAYERS TOTAL OF 24 GOALKEEPERS & REFEREES 26 8WOMEN’S TEAMS AN ABSTRACT OF THE We will take a look at few remarkable goalkeepers Gallery of women’s futsal teams BADMINTON GAMES and referees from the recent tournament 32 34 36 BADMINTON IN ALL TABLE CRICKET CATEGORIES TENNIS An overview of cricket games A display of passion and talent in Badminton An recap of the table tennis games [2] ByteKick

38 40 Contents 44 MEN’S WOMEN’S RISE LIKE A PRO LOSERS’ & FINAL CRICKET KEY PLAYERS An overview of men’s cricket Final and loser’s Final Women’s cricket takes center stage at IT Akhil hits first century at the IT Futsal Challenge Futsal Challenge 2023 GOLDEN MOMENT FUTSAL TEAM OUR CHERISHED THE ROLE DROP OF 46 SPONSORS 48 OF MEDIA 49 LIFE Bridge Global expressing their gratitude to The role of media in the success of the Inspiring social responsibility through all the sponsers IT Futsal Challenge IT Futsal Challenge 50 52 54 TIME FOR FUTSAL SALUTING THE APPRECIATION 2024 HEROS Here’s what some of our contestants and A brief about next season of IT Futsal Here we explore the heros behind the success audience had to say about the event Challenge of IT Futsal Challenge ByteKick [3]

Cover Stories The Zeal Continues With More Vigour The much-awaited sports carnival for techies SELF-ORGANIZED WAY “What started as a simple Futsal tourna- had recently come to a close! Bridge Glob- ment has now become a much-await- al, a prominent name in the IT industry, had ed sporting extravaganza for techies. It undertaken a very ambitious project with the 7th is mainly because of the resourcefulness Season of the IT Futsal Challenge. and perseverance of the organizing team. Besides being a platform for IT profes- This year’s “Yoke IT Futsal Challenge 2023” had sionals to engage in their favorite sporting a grand kickstart on February 17, 2023, at 6:30 activities, it fosters a sense of community pm, with Krishna Jothis, the CEO of Bridge Glob- and companionship. al, inaugurating the event and switching on the 9-day sports gala (February 17-19, 24-26, March For us Bridgys, it is like an adventurous 3-5). Over 100 teams had participated in a range and fun travel experience. Every year, we of sporting events, including Futsal, Table Tennis, wait to take part in it by facing fresh chal- Badminton, and Cricket (separate games for men lenges and learning new experiences that and women). we want to relish forever. Both the partici- pants and organizers put in efforts to stay The IT Futsal Challenge had expanded its size physically fit and healthy because Futsal and scope, becoming much more than just a is coming.” sporting event for IT professionals. It had been a platform for them to unwind, relax, and recharge KRISHNA JOTHIS amidst the demands of IT work. The event had CEO been a constant and genuine reminder to all te- chies that there is more to life than just coding and finding bugs. The organizing team’s dedication and hard work had been crucial to the event’s success. Their ef- forts to ensure everything ran smoothly and safely had created a positive experience for all partic- ipants. Now that the latest edition had conclud- ed, let’s hear from the CEO himself about the be- ginning and the successful management of this year’s IT Futsal Challenge. PREETHI PHILIP CEO’s Note [4] ByteKick

Theinebffyortthveaintoadrlgctaoonmiitzmsinistgumcteecnaetsmsp. aurte Cover Stories Founder’s Note HUGO MESSER Founder Since the inception of Bridge in India in 2008, I’ve been search- ing for innovative ways to engage the IT community. In the early days, we organized ‘open coffee’, one of the few open networking events. This brought nice connections across the Cochin ecosys- tem. We also organized some public workshops and mini-confer- ences. But then a few years ago, the Bridge team came up with the idea of organizing a futsal competition. It all started small but then it became huge! I’m a firm believer in agile organization models. Self-organiza- tion, ownership, and entrepreneurship have been key ingredients in the foundation of Bridge Global since its inception. The futsal competition is a great showcase of self-organization at work. Everything was done by a self-organized team. I believe this event is important to our company and the Cochin IT ecosystem. The more events like this are organized, the strong- er the ties between companies and people. We can all learn, work and play together! BB yy tt ee KK ii cc kk [ 5 ]

Cover Stories Let’s have a bird’s eye view of all the 7 seasons SEASON 01 SEASON 02 The maiden IT Futsal Challenge was launched In 2018, the IT Futsal Challenge held its second in 2017 and was conducted at Decathlon Vyttila from season as a 6-day sporting event from May 4-6 February 10 to 12. Inaugurated by Hibi Eden MLA, the and 11-13 in Kochi. The event featured 64 Futsal teams tournament witnessed vibrant participation from 32 and 8 Women’s Penalty Shootout teams, with a focus teams. on promoting gender balance. The event was inaugu- rated by P.T. Thomas MLA at the United Sports Center. Additionally, a social awareness campaign called “Drop of Life” was conducted in collaboration with Mazhapoli- ma, an NGO promoting rainwater harvesting, and other officials to raise awareness about water conservation. sTHE SEASON 03 SUCCESSFUL The IT Futsal Challenge’s third season began 7 SEASONS in 2019 with an inauguration by Prof. K.V Thom- as at the United Sports Center in Kochi. The event was held from February 15-17 and 22-24 and included Futsal, Women’s Penalty Shootout, Table Tennis, and Badmin- ton tournaments. Over 100 teams participated, includ- ing 64 for Futsal, 12 for Badminton Women Doubles, 24 for Badminton Mixed Doubles, and 8 for TT Doubles. Winners received a cash prize of INR 1.5 lakhs and other exciting gifts. [6] ByteKick

SEASON 04 Cover Stories The Fourth Season of the IT Futsal Challenge SEASON 05 kickstarted in 2020 as a 6-day long sports gala from Feb 14-16 and 21-23 at United Sports Center, Kochi. An exciting 5th sequel to the IT Futsal Chal- The Save for Future exhibition at the venue added so- lenge took place on December 11 and 12, 2021 cial fervor to the event. Diverse sports events witnessed at the United Sports Center, Kochi. We kept it as a two- a massive participation of around 200 teams. The clos- day event confining the contests only to Futsal, adher- ing ceremony was made vibrant as Bridgys electrified ing to strict COVID-19 protocols. Techies were excited the ground with a peppy Flash Mob. The Drop of Life to hit the ground after over a year of home-bound community conducted the ‘Save for Future’ exhibition work. Teams consisting of techie friends from different at the venue. IT companies were also allowed this time. A total of 16 teams participated in the match. SEASON 06 SEASON 07 The Sixth Season of the IT Futsal Challenge was The latest edition is just completed at the launched as a 3-day event on November 25-27, United Sports Center, Kochi,(February-17th to 2022, at the United Sports Center, Kakkanad, Kochi. The March-5) is one of the biggest techie sports galas in techies’ exclusive sports gala witnessed heated com- terms of the number of teams and diversity of sporting petition among 32 teams for the Futsal tournament events. The title sponsor for the event is Yoke Immigra- and 8 teams for the Women’s penalty shootout. The tion Services Ltd. prize distribution ceremony on the final day was made The remarkable diversity of sporting events vibrant with a flash mob with the message “Defend and a record-breaking number of participating teams. Yourself Against Drugs” by the Drop of Life community From Football and Cricket to Badminton and Table at Bridge Global. Tennis, both men’s and women’s teams have come together to showcase their skills and vie for victory. The event has attracted the participation over 250 teams, making it one of the most grandiose seasons to date. VALUES THE HAPPINESS & WELL-BEING OF IT EMPLOYEES Bridge Global values the happiness and well-being of its employees. It recognizes that providing opportunities for creativity and physical activity can have positive effects on productivity and overall satisfaction. Through this initia- tive, the organization is reverberating good intentions beyond its four walls. ByteKick [7]

Cover Stories Not only for Fitness & Healthy Competition IT Pros Battle it Out on the Field The IT Futsal Challenge is a unique sports event creat- ed by a group of IT professionals who wanted to pro- mote physical activity and healthy competition among their peers. Led by Anoop, the team captain, the event consists of several IT companies’ teams, with a focus on encouraging employees to pursue their hobbies and passions while working full-time. With more than 250 teams participating, the event has become a highly anticipated and successful annual event. The success of the IT Futsal Challenge and similar events in the region has encouraged the development of more sports facilities and turf near IT parks, provid- ing more opportunities for IT professionals to engage in physical activities and promote a healthy lifestyle. However, the team faced several challenges, including securing sponsors and arranging for a venue, equipment, referees, and volunteers. They overcame these challeng- es through resourcefulness, creativity, and hard work. PROVIDING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR IT PROFESSIONALS [8] ByteKick

Cover Stories One of the notable successes During the third season when the organizing team was unable to secure enough referees for the tournament. The team decided to enlist their team members to act as ref- erees, promoting teamwork and camaraderie among the participants. The event has also created a community of in- dividuals from different companies and backgrounds, serv- ing as a platform for networking and collaboration. The IT Futsal Challenge’s emphasis on promoting health and well-being among IT professionals is a unique approach to sports events that have inspired many other companies in the region to host similar events for their employees. It encourages physical activity, which can positively impact employee well-being and company culture, promoting a healthy work-life bal- ance. Anoop’s leadership and his team’s efforts have made the IT Futsal Challenge a successful and highly anticipated event every year, inspiring more IT profes- sionals to pursue their passions and engage in physical activities. THE INSIDE It is a unique sports event created by IT pro- fessionals to promote physical activity and healthy competition among peers, with over 250 teams participating annually ByteKick [9]

About Event A“CPRAORS2T5IS0CIKTPEERAATAELMDSA”BY OVERAN ABSTRACT OF [[ 11 00 ]] BB yy tt ee KK ii cc kk

THE EVENTt About Event ven e Without like minded sponsors, this event cannot be pulled off in style. Yoke tire Immigration Services Ltd. is a Canadian n consultancy agency that works towards e hassle-free immigration and emigration services for their clients, came forward to e sponsor the event along with Bridge Glob- th al making the 7th Season of IT Futsal Chal- f lenge a grand success. o ct Medi Home was the medical partner for stra the event. The team from Medi Home sup- b ported organizers throughout the event A with their paramedical staff and ambu- lance service, making sure all the casu- n alties are taken care of. They are an or- A ganization that makes healthcare come to your home. As the world recovers from the pandemic, the im- portance of physical activity and social inter- action has become increasingly evident. This is why events like the IT Futsal Challenge, powered by Bridge Global, are more important than ever before. The IT Futsal Challenge is an annual event orga- nized by Bridge Global, a global IT solutions provid- er headquartered in the Netherlands, that specializes in software development, digital transformation, and technology consulting services, aimed at bringing to- gether IT professionals from different companies to participate in events like Futsal, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis. The 9 day tournament is held at United Sports Cen- tre, Infopark Expressway, Kakkanad, Kochi on Febru- ary 17-19, 24-26, March 3-5. The tournament is open to both men and women, and teams compete against “Staying active and socially connected has never been each other in a friendly and competitive environment. more crucial, and events like the IT Futsal Challenge are the perfect opportunity to achieve both” ByteKick [11]

About Event [12] ByteKick WOMEN’S CRICKET MEN’S CRICKET WOMEN’S FUTSAL MEN’S FUTSAL 8 TEAMS 32 TEAMS 8 TEAMS 64 TEAMS TABLE TENNIS MIXED DOUBLES BWAODMMEINNT’SON MEN’S BADMINTON 32 TEAMS BADMINTON 16 TEAMS 64 TEAMS 32 TEAMS

About Event TOTAL TEAMS & EVENTS MORE TEAMS SEASON 07 MORE ACTION INTRODUCED WOMEN'S AMAZING CRICKET CROWD & TABLE SUPPORT TENNIS In this season they introduced Wom- en’s Futsal, Women’s Cricket, and Table Tennis which were received well among the companies. A huge crowd was always present from the morning till late at night to view the action and support their fa- vorite teams and friends. It was not only a sporting event but an event to net- work, make new friends, and have fun all around. With wholehearted support from te- chies in different companies, this event is consistently becoming a success and a hot topic among the IT fraternity. This is an embodiment of Bridge Global’s vision of the Stay Healthy, Stay Happy campaign, BB yy tt ee KK ii cc kk [[ 1 3 ]

Football AN ABSTRACT OF THE FOOTBALL GAMES FOOTBALL Soccer, is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has a mas- “Kicking sive fan base and is loved by people of all ages. In recent times, Challenge Futsal has also gained a lot of popularity among football enthusiasts. Futsal is a modified version of football played indoors on a small- er field with fewer players.The tournament was held in turf and the format was 5s, which means five players on each team. The match- es were played amazingly, and the level of skill and competitiveness was quite high. More than 70 teams participated in the tournament, and there were more than 70 matches played in total. One of the notable things about the tournament was the excellent participation of women. It was great to see women’s teams participating and competing on the same level as the men’s teams. The games were fast-paced, and each match lasted for 20 min- utes. From the quarterfinals, the matches created a lot of pressure on the viewers, and the presence of a large crowd for each game surprised everyone. The spectators cheered and supported their fa- vorite teams, creating a fantastic atmosphere in the arena. The IT professionals displayed great teamwork, skill, and sports- manship throughout the tournament. The players showed their ex- pertise in ball control, dribbling, and shooting, and the matches were full of exciting moments. The tournament provided a platform for IT professionals to showcase their passion for football and sports. [14] ByteKick

Football Up a Storm: The epic IT Futsal that got everyone talking” 5’s 20 Mins 64 Teams 512 Players 01 Winner ByteKick [15]

Football SEMI’STake a look in to the D E TA I L E D V I E W O N T H E M E N ’ S S E M I F I N A L’ S Men’s Semifinal-01 Zellis vs IQVIA THRILLING COMPETION Zellis secures their spot in Men’s Futsal Semi Final with a thrilling victory over IQVIA Zellis HR India and IQVIA B team faced off in the The IQVIA B team started the match with an attack- first semi-final match of the Men’s Futsal tournament ing approach, and Crys tried a long-range shot ear- on 5th March 2023. The match was filled with thrill- ly on. However, Zellis’ goalkeeper Appu made a close ing moments as both teams fought hard to secure a save to deny the attempt. The game’s first goal came spot in the final. In the end, it was Zellis HR India who from Dias of IQVIA B team, who took advantage of an emerged victorious with a scoreline of 3-1. open goalpost after Appu was on the ground following a save. Zellis came back into the game quickly with a smart goal just after conceding. Abhijith stunned the opposition with a scoop kick goal in the blink of an eye, leveling the scores. He went on to score Zellis’ second goal with a powerful left-footed shot. Dias of IQVIA B team received a yellow card for a foul on Vishnu Sudarsan. Aswin scored the third and final goal for Zellis, which was a rebound from a side throw-in. Despite the IQVIA B team’s best efforts, they were unable to convert any of their many chances into goals. Goal- keeper Appu made some crucial saves to secure the win for Zellis HR India. [16] ByteKick

Football Men’s Semifinal-02 Infosys Triumphs Over Fragomen to Reach the Finals The second semifinal match of the Men’s Futsal Tour- Shafi tried to score, but two players from Infos- nament was held on 5th March 2023 between Frag- ys blocked him from scoring. Fragomen tried hard to omen and Infosys. The match was held at 5:30 PM and come back in the game, but Infosys defended well to was a closely fought battle between the two teams. ensure the victory. Infosys started the match positively, with Sabil wear- The final score of the match was Infosys: 1 and Frag- ing jersey number 21, and having a shot on target, omen: 0. Infosys won the match and entered the finals. which was saved by the goalkeeper. Infosys had an- other close chance, but Monish missed the opportunity. The game was a closely fought battle, and both Fragomen also had their chances, and the first half teams played with great determination. However, it ended with a brilliant attempt by Ajith. However, the first was Infosys who emerged victorious, with their excel- half remained goalless, with the scores at 0:0. lent teamwork and coordination. The Fragomen team played well, but they were unable to convert their The second half of the game was also very tight, with chances into goals. both teams trying hard to score. The match continued with a handball call against Ganesh of Infosys, and a Infosys free-kick was given to Fragomen. Unfortunately, the FragVoSmen free kick was not utilized wisely. Eventually, Infosys managed to score a beauti- ful goal, with Gopu hitting the target. Sabil show- cased his playmaking skills with a valuable assist. ByteKick [17]

Football In the end, Fragomen emerged victorious with a final score of 2-0. It was a well-deserved win for Men’s the team, who played with determination and skill Losers Final throughout the match. Despite the loss, IQVIA B team also displayed some impressive gameplay The Men’s Futsal Losers Final on 5th March 2023 and showed that they were a force to be reckoned was an intense battle between IQVIA B team with. and Fragomen. Both teams showed their strengths and displayed some brilliant gameplay, but it was Loser’s Final Fragomen who came out on top with a final score of 2-0. FragomenVS IQVIA The match started with both teams displaying Fragomen secures their attacking prowess. IQVIA B team’s Ann’s, jer- third place in Men’s sey number 23, got injured during the match and Futsal tournament had to be taken to the hospital. The team from Medi with a 2-0 win over Home assisted in providing medical care to the in- IQVIA jured player. Despite the setback, IQVIA B team continued to create chances and put pressure on Fragomen. The goalkeeper for Fragomen displayed some bril- liant saves to keep IQVIA B team at bay. However, Fragomen also had their fair share of chances and eventually scored the first goal of the match. It was a group effort that led to Fendry’s goal, with the team working together to create the opportunity which he finished in style. Fragomen didn’t stop there and continued to push forward, eventually scoring their second goal thanks to Ajith’s jersey number 9 one-man effort. He tackled the goalkeeper and breached the de- fense in a spectacular fashion. [18] ByteKick

FinMen’s al Football Infosys Clinch Futsal Men’s Championship with A Dominating Win over Zellis Final Infosys VS Zellis Inan action-packed final match Despite Appu’s efforts, Infosys kept Overall, the men’s futsal cham- of the men’s futsal champi- up their relentless attack, and Hari pionship was a grand success, with onship, Infosys emerged victorious scored the first goal of the match some intense and exciting matches against Zellis, with a convincing 4-1 for Infosys. Zellis players failed to played throughout the tournament. win on March 5, 2023. The match hold their defense, and Sabil soon The players showcased their skills was held at the futsal arena and scored Infosys’ second goal. and entertained the spectators with was attended by a large number some brilliant displays of football. of spectators. In the second half, Infosys con- Congratulations to Infosys on their tinued their attacking style of play well-deserved victory, and to all the The game was a battle between and put pressure on the Zellis de- teams who participated in the tour- two equally strong teams, but Info- fense. Sabil scored his second goal nament for making it a memorable sys dominated from the beginning and Infosys’ third, and soon after, he event. and did not allow Zellis to gain any completed a hat-trick with a goal momentum. from Gopu’s corner kick. Although Zellis also created some attacking The match began with Infosys movements, they failed to capital- launching an attack on the Zel- ize on them. lis defense, with Sabil leading the charge. ByteKick [19]

Football Bridge Global Mitsogo Technologies Claysys NEST Digital 01 G10X IQVIA Technologies 01 IROID Technologies NewAge System QBurst 01 UST Kochi HTIC Fingent Global 01 Admaren 2 Hatslogic Solutions VVDN Technologies Benzy Infotech Inmakes Infotech Key Value Tech Mahindra Cerium 01 ANJ America Amphenol Divergent Catalist Private Limited Quest Global Advanced Millennium Technologies Factweavers Technologies Pvt Ltd Tech Mahindra Cerium 02 VVDN Technologies IQVIA Technologies 02 Triassic Solutions Pvt Ltd FDC Web Technolgies Pvt Ltd Phases India Technology Solutions Wisilica [20] ByteKick

Football Gadgeon Smart Sytems NEST Digital 02 Infosys Inntot Technologies Pvt Ltd Dexlock EQS Web Technologies Fingent Global 02 Think Palm Technologies 01 Katzion Urolime Technologies Aspire Systems Thompsun Infocare Pentagon Fragomen Caxita Cognizant Expeed Software VVDN Technologies 02 IBM QBurst 02 NesT Digital 03 Cascade Revenue Management PVT LTD Mari Apps TCS Kochi Geojit Webandcrafts Think Palm Technologies 02 Zellis HR India Zerone Consulting Met Clouds Technologies Netstratum Technologies TNP Consultany ByteKick [21]

Football Women’s Futsal NAIL-BITING WOMEN’S FUTSAL SEMI-FINALS “A game of futsal induces more than enjoyment, more than entertainment.” TCS Kochi had defeated Fragomen in the league round with a score of 2-0, while UST Kochi had beaten Bridge Global with a score of 3-0. The match then proceeded to a penalty shoot-out, where TCS Kochi took the lead by scoring their first at- tempt. UST Kochi failed to score in their first attempt, giving TCS Kochi an advantage. TCS Kochi missed their second attempt, but UST Kochi also failed to score their second chance. TCS Kochi then scored their third attempt, and UST Kochi was unable to score their final attempt. TCS Kochi won the game 2-0 in the penalty tie-breaker and booked their spot in the finals. WOMEN’S SEMI-FINAL 01 Fingent VS Gadgeon The women’s futsal semi-finals took place on 3rd WOMEN’S SEMI-FINAL 02 March 2023, and it was an exciting day for futsal fans as they witnessed two thrilling matches. The first semi-fi- TCS Kochi VS UST Kochi nal match was played between Fingent and Gadgeon, and the second match was between TCS Kochi and UST Kochi. In the first match, Fingent faced off against Gadg- eon, and it was a close game from the beginning. Both teams played with all their might and displayed excel- lent skills, but Fingent managed to score two goals while Gadgeon scored one. Gadgeon tried to catch up, but Fingent’s strong de- fense prevented them from scoring an equalizer. De- spite a valiant effort by Gadgeon, they were unable to make a comeback, and the final score was 2-1 in favor of Fingent. In the second semi-final match, TCS Kochi faced off against UST Kochi. Both teams were equally matched and had displayed impressive skills in their league matches. [22] ByteKick

Football FINGEVNSTTCS Women’s Futsal Finals Elizabeth’s Hat-Trick leads TCS to victory in the intense Women’s Futsal final against Fingent TCS started the game with an at- At half-time, the score was TCS tacking mindset, and Fingent had to 2 - Fingent 0. Sandra, wearing jer- defend against their relentless at- sey number 5, was very energet- tacks. Fingent got the first chance ic throughout the match. Howev- from a throw-in, but failed to con- er, Fingent also found some close vert it into a goal. Elizabeth scored chances to score. the first goal for TCS. Elizabeth scored her hat-trick She was waiting in the other half goal, which was a rebound chance for a chance and made the most from another player’s shot. of the opportunity, scoring in the first chance she got. Priya, wearing jersey number 10, and Elizabeth to- gether tried again, and Elizabeth scored her second goal for her team from Priya’s assist. F O O T B A L L I S A G A M E O F S T R AT E G Y All players were in Fingent’s post-premise, and It was a great game that showcased the talent Elizabeth capitalized on the chance. Finally, Fingent and passion of women’s futsal. The players showed got a chance but failed to capitalize on it. It was a great sportsmanship and camaraderie, and the great effort from Mizba, wearing jersey number 47. game was a great example of how sports can bring However, she was eventually rewarded for her effort people together. as she struck a goal for Fingent in the last moments of the game. It was a well-organized event, and the profes- sional referees ensured fair play and followed the The final score was TCS: 3 and Fingent: 1. Despite standard rules of the game. the loss, Fingent put up a great fight and showcased their skills and determination. Elizabeth’s hat-trick performance was exceptional, and Priya and San- dra’s efforts were also noteworthy. ByteKick [23]

Football Goalkeepers 1 YASHIN RAZAK we will take a key Players look at three A Look at the Unsung Heroes of the Game remarkable goalkeepers from the re- cent tour- nament, and analyze their performances. 2APPU R BABU UNSUNG MADHAV SANTHOSH 3 HEROS [24] ByteKick

Football 1 Referee YASHIN RAZAK Professional Referees Tackle Challenges to Ensure Fair Play Yashin Razak of Infosys was un- doubtedly the standout goalkeeper Certainly! The success of any sporting event depends on of the tournament. He conceded only a multitude of factors, and one of the most critical factors two goals throughout the tournament, is the quality of refereeing. The IT Futsal Challenge featured and his performances were crucial in over 70 teams in various categories, including men’s, and ensuring victory for his team in every women’s. The organizers of the event recognized the im- match. He is always vocal and helps portance of having professional referees from the football his defenders stay organized and association, who could maintain the integrity of the game focused. He also has quick reflexes, and ensure fair play. which allow him to make incredible saves and rebound attacks. Another Over 5 days, more than 70 games were played, and the notable aspect of Yashin’s game is referees had their work cut out for them. Furthermore, clash- his ability to receive minus passes ef- es between players are uncommon in futsal, and it’s up to fectively, which creates open chanc- the referees to maintain order on the court. es for his team to score. However, the challenges didn’t stop there. Referees also 2 had to deal with the crowds, who can sometimes be unruly and disruptive. APPU R BABU Despite these difficulties, the referees did an exception- Appu R Babu of Zellis was anoth- al job throughout the tournament. They maintained a calm er brilliant goalkeeper in the tourna- and professional demeanor, and their knowledge and ex- ment. Before the final, his team had pertise ensured that the games were played fairly and ac- only conceded two goals, which is a cording to the rules. Their efforts did not go unnoticed, and testament to his abilities. In the sec- they were commended by the organizers and the players ond round match, a draw, he made for their exceptional work. some excellent saves to help his team progress to the pre-quarterfinals in a In conclusion, the success of the IT Futsal Challenge was penalty shootout. Appu is a reliable due in no small part to the professionalism and dedication goalkeeper who is always focused of the referees. Their hard work and expertise ensured that and ready to make important saves the games were played fairly and that the players and fans when it matters the most. alike could enjoy a thrilling and memorable experience. 3 ByteKick [25] MADHAV SANTHOSH Madhav Santhosh of Fragomen was a goalkeeper with great talent. He conceded only two goals through- out the tournament, and his perfor- mances were instrumental in helping his team survive a very close en- counter with IBM, which was decided through a penalty shootout. Madhav is a composed goalkeeper who is al- ways aware of his surroundings and is quick to react to any danger in front of him.

Football Women’s Futsal Bridge Global Teams UST Global Fragomen GadgEon TCS Kochi Fingent Total of 8 Teams [26] ByteKick

Football BByyttee KK ii cc kk [[ 22 77 ]

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Badminton BadmintonAn Abstact of the Games The IT industry is known for its fast-paced and de- manding nature, but that doesn’t mean that IT professionals don’t have time for sports. In fact, the recently concluded IT Futsal Challenge Badminton Game proved just how passionate IT professionals are when it comes to sports. Over 110 teams participated in various catego- ries, including Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed. But what was truly impressive was the performance of the Women’s teams. They exceeded expectations and proved that they are just as skilled and competitive as their male counterparts. The standard badminton rules were followed, and professional referees were on hand to ensure fair play. With over 110 games happening, it was no easy feat to handle them all. To make things more man- ageable, five games were played simultaneously on five turfs at the same time. [[ 33 00 ]] BB yy tt ee KK ii cc kk

Badminton OVER 100 TEAMS PARTICIPATED A DISPLAY OF PASSION AND TALENT In conclusion, the IT Futsal Challenge Badminton Game was a great success, with over 110 teams par- ticipating and showcasing their skills and passion for sports. The performance of the Women’s teams was particularly impressive, and it was clear that the IT industry is full of talented athletes. BB yy tt ee KK ii cc kk [[ 33 11 ]]

BBFiandamladminton iinntaolnl Categories Mixed Doubles Final A B I N A N D V I JAYA L A K S H M I T R I U M P H O V E R M O N I S A N D A M R U T H A Abin & Vijayalakshmi VS Monis & Amrutha The Badminton Mixed Doubles Final held on March 5, 2023, The match was so close that it could was a nail-biting match between UST Kochi and TCS Kochi. have gone either way. However, Abin The teams fielded their top players, with Abin and Vijayalakshmi and Vijayalakshmi’s combined efforts representing UST Kochi, while Monis and Amrutha played for TCS proved too much for Monis and Am- Kochi. rutha. Their teamwork, coupled with Abin’s impressive 26-point contribu- Abin and Vijayalakshmi served first and got off to a strong start tion, gave UST Kochi the victory with a in the first set. Abin contributed 16 points while Vijayalakshmi score of 2-0. added five, leading UST Kochi to secure the set 21-19. Overall, it was a fantastic match, Men’s Doubles Final and both teams should be proud of their performance. Abin and Vijay- alakshmi’s victory was well-deserved, and their hard work and dedication paid off. It was a great display of sportsman- ship, and the players were excellent representatives of their respective teams. M O N I S & E L B I N D O M I N AT E T H E B AT T L E OF THE SUPERPOWERS On March 5, 2023, badminton fans witnessed a thrilling Men’s Doubles Final between two superpower teams from the same company, TCS Kochi. The match featured Monis & Elbin from TCS Kochi against Asish & Rahul, also from TCS Kochi. Asish & Rahul served first, but Monis & Elbin quickly took control of the game and dominated from the start. In the first set, Monis & Elbin scored a total of 21 points, with Monis contributing 9 points and Elbin scoring 12 points. Asish & Rahul tried to keep up, but they could only manage to score 14 points, with Asish contributing 6 points and Rahul scoring 8 points. The second set was no different, as Monis & Elbin continued their dominance. They scored a total of 21 points, with Monis con- tributing 5 points and Elbin scoring 16 points. Asish & Rahul strug- gled to keep up and could only manage to score 11 points, with Asish contributing 5 points and Rahul scoring 6 points. Monis & Elbin’s commanding victory secured the Men’s Doubles title for TCS Kochi, beating their opponents from the same com- pany with a score of 2:0. [32] ByteKick

Badminton Amrutha & Elizabeth VS In the second set, Vijayalakshmi & Jeni- ma showed their dominance on the court, Vijayalakshmi & Jenima with Vijayalakshmi contributing 11 points and Jenima contributing 10 points. Amrutha BADMINTON IS NOT JUST ABOUT HITTING THE SHUTTLECOCK BACK & Elizabeth tried their best to keep up, but it AND FORTH, IT’S A MENTAL GAME OF STRATEGY AND ENDURANCE wasn’t enough as Vijayalakshmi & Jenima won the set with a score of 21-15. Overall, the match was a great showcase of the talent and skill of both teams. While Amrutha & Elizabeth put up a good fight, Vi- jayalakshmi & Jenima were just too strong, winning the match with a score of 2-0. With this win, Vijayalakshmi & Jenima from UST Kochi brought home the victory for their team, showcasing their hard work and dedication throughout the tournament. Women’s Doubles Final Vijayalakshmi & Jenima from UST Kochi brought the victory On March 5, 2023, the Badminton Women’s Doubles Fi- nal took place, with Amrutha & Elizabeth from TCS Kochi facing off against Vijayalakshmi & Jenima from UST Kochi. The match was exciting, with both teams showing off their skills and athleticism on the court. Vijayalakshmi & Jenima served first, and the first set was a close one. Both teams were neck and neck throughout, but Vijayalakshmi & Jenima managed to edge out the win with a score of 21-19. Amrutha & Elizabeth put up a good fight, with Amrutha contributing 8 points and Eliza- beth contributing 11 points. ByteKick [33]

TABLE TENNIS Table Tennis [34] ByteKick THE BEST PLAYERS ARE THOSE WHO CAN OUTSMART AND OUTMANEUVER THEIR OPPONENTS WITH SKILL AND PRECISION.

Table Tennis An Abstract of the Table Tennis Games Table tennis is a fast-paced indoor sport The spectators were also a part of the ac- that requires quick reflexes, agility, and pre- tion, cheering their favorite teams and play- cise hand-eye coordination. Recently, the IT ers. The atmosphere was electric, and it was industry held its own Table Tennis Challenge, evident that everyone was enjoying the event. where more than 30 teams from various IT The players were seen executing shots with companies participated. The event was a great precision, and the sound of the ball hit- great success, with passionate players show- ting the paddle added to the excitement. casing their skills and proving that they are not just tech-savvy, but also skilled athletes. The event showcased not only the skill of the players but also their sportsmanship and ca- The competition had various categories. maraderie. Players from different companies The participants played using standard table and backgrounds came together to compete tennis rules, which include a small ball, light- and have fun. weight paddle, and a low net. Siju & Mohit Each game consisted of 11 points, and the VS first player to win two games won the match. The level of play was exceptional, with players Aathil & Vimal showcasing a range of shots such as back- hands, forehands, topspins, and smashes. Aathil & Vimal tried to make a comeback in the third set but were unable to catch up to Siju & Mohit Reghu Siju & Mohit Reghu’s lead, with the final score Clinch Victory in Final being 11-5. On March 5, 2023, the Final of the Table Ten- With this win, Siju & Mohit Reghu brought nis tournament took place with Siju & Mohit home the victory for UST Kochi, showcasing Reghu from UST Kochi facing off against Aathil their talent and hard work throughout the & Vimal from Key Value. It was an exciting tournament. Their teamwork and persever- match that saw both teams playing at their ance were truly remarkable, and they are sure best. to be remembered as one of the best doubles teams in the tournament. In the first set, both teams had some nerv- ous moments, but Siju & Mohit Reghu man- aged to take the set with a score of 15-13, giv- ing them an early advantage. The second set saw Siju & Mohit Reghu dominate the game, with a score of 11-3 in their favor. ByteKick [35]

Cricket CRICKET Cricketing Feats in the IT World Cricket, known as the gentleman’s game, has always been a popular sport across the world. And when it comes to IT professionals, the love for this game is no less. One such example is the IT Futsal Cricket tournament, which saw over 35 games played, both in day- light and under floodlights. The matches played in daylight saw a dif- ferent kind of cricket, as compared to those played under the floodlights. It was difficult for teams to switch between the two formats, and the 6-over match made it even more chal- lenging for the players. However, the players rose to the occasion and put on a display of cricketing shots that would leave anyone in awe. In a game where the average score was 75, one team managed to score an impressive 150 runs in just 6 overs. It was a momentous occasion for the team and a testimony to their batting prowess. But it wasn’t just about batting, as there were games where the bowlers took center stage.a team were bowled out for just 12 runs. It was a low-scoring game, but it show- cased the bowling talent that was present in the tourna- ment. The tournament also saw some amazing fielding, where the players dived, jumped, and saved crucial runs for their teams. It was a testament to the fact that these IT profession- als were not just good with computers but also with the bat, ball, and field. A Spectacular Display of Talent, Turf & Floodlights [36] ByteKick

Cricket Showcasing the immense talent that exists among IT professionals in cricket The highlight of the tournament was the centu- ry scored in a 6-over match. It was a moment of pure cricketing genius as the batsman showcased real cricketing shots and beauti- ful yorkers, leaving the opposition team in tat- ters. The IT Futsal Cricket tournament proved that IT professionals can play cricket just as well as anyone else. They displayed a true passion for the game and proved that their dedica- tion and hard work paid off. The tour- nament was a true reflection of the love and passion that people have for cricket and was a memorable event for all involved. In conclusion, the IT Futsal Cricket tournament was a grand success, showcasing the immense talent that exists among IT profession- als in cricket. The games played in daylight and under floodlights tested the skills of the players and brought out the best in them. ByteKick [37]

Cricket Men’s Loser’s Arjun’s Heroics Lead Claysys to Victory in Men’s Cricket Loser’s Final Against Orion The men’s cricket loser’s final took Claysys scored 100 runs in the loss Overall, it was a great match, and place between Claysys and Ori- of 4 wickets, which was a decent to- Claysys deserved to win. Their excel- on. The match was played with great tal considering the pressure of the fi- lent performance in all three depart- enthusiasm and both teams gave nal. They set a challenging target for ments of the game helped them to their best to win the match. Claysys Orion to chase down. emerge as the winner of the match. won the match by 26 runs after set- In reply, Orion started their innings On the other hand, Orion also ting a target of 100 runs for Orion. well but lost wickets at regular inter- played well, but they were not able Claysys won the toss and decided vals, which put them under immense to capitalize on the opportunities to bat first. They started their innings pressure. they got during the match. It was a on a shaky note as their star bats- The match turned into Claysys’ fa- great learning experience for both man Akhil got out without scoring a vour when they were able to restrict teams and they will look to improve single run. Orion to just 74 runs in the loss of 5 their game in the future. However, Arjun came to the crease wickets. There were 13 dot balls in the and took over the charge of the bat- innings, which made it difficult for Claysys ting attack. He played an outstand- Orion to score runs and build part- VS ing inning of 57 runs in just 15 balls, nerships. hitting 9 sixes in the process. Orion [38] ByteKick

Cricket Finals Cognizant VS TCS Cognizant Crushes TCS to Clinch Me n’ s C r icket Title i n D omi na nt Displ ay The men’s cricket final was played be- Ajith produced a brilliant piece of fielding to make tween Cognizant and TCS. It was an ex- Midhun run out. Dhanush was the pick of the bowlers citing match, with both teams fighting hard for Cognizant, taking 2 wickets for just 11 runs in his two to lift the trophy. Cognizant emerged as the overs. winners of the match, chasing down the tar- get of 65 runs in just 4.3 overs, sparing only 2 Overview wickets. Overall, it was a great performance by Cog- TCS won the toss and decided to bat first. nizant, who played a disciplined game in all However, they were not able to score free- three departments of the game. TCS tried ly as Cognizant was very disciplined in their their best, but they were not able to score bowling attack. They were also sharp in the enough runs, which made it easy for Cogni- field, producing 11 dot balls in TCS’s innings zant to chase down the target. The match was and executing two run-outs. a great advertisement for the game of cricket and was enjoyed by the IT Industry. Vivek was the only batsman who showed some resistance and played an excellent in- ning of 35 runs in just 19 balls, hitting four six- es and one four. ByteKick [39]

Cricket WOMEN’S CRICKET! Women’s Cricket Takes Center Stage at IT Futsal Challenge BREAKING ALL BOUNDARIES The IT Futsal Challenge recently added women’s cricket to their event, and the organizers were pleasantly surprised by the amount of partici- pation they received. The women’s teams put on an incredible display of cricketing talent, surprising and delighting the organizers and spectators alike. The level of skill on display was truly impressive, and the matches were a testament to the strength and dedication of these talented ath- letes. The women’s cricket matches were some of the most exciting and en- tertaining events at the IT Futsal Challenge. All of the teams performed above average, with some truly amazing performances. The players’ fielding was particularly excellent, with some exciting catches that left viewers on the edge of their seats. The bowlers also impressed, with ac- curate and skillful deliveries that challenged the batters and kept the scores low. [[ 44 00 ]] BB yy tt ee KK ii cc kk

Cricket One of the standout matches was between TCS Yet, they displayed all the skills and knowledge of and Cognizant. The match was an absolute thriller, seasoned pros, leaving no doubt that they belong on with both teams playing their hearts out and deliv- the cricket field. It was clear that these women had ering some of the best cricketing shots the IT Futsal put in countless hours of practice and hard work, and Challenge has ever seen. their efforts paid off in a truly remarkable display of cricketing talent. The batters exhibited a wide range of shots, in- cluding cover drives, hooks, and pull shots, all exe- In conclusion, the addition of women’s cricket to cuted with precision and finesse. The bowlers, on the the IT Futsal Challenge was a resounding success. other hand, kept the batters guessing with a variety The players’ performances were inspiring, and they of deliveries, including yorkers, bouncers, and slow- showed that women’s cricket has a bright future in er balls. The players’ performances were particularly the world of sports. The event was a testament to impressive given that many of them were not pro- the power of sports in bringing people together and fessional cricketers. showcasing their talent and dedication. It’s clear that the women’s cricket matches will be- come a fixture of the IT Futsal Challenge in the years to come, and we can’t wait to see what these talent- ed athletes will achieve next. Inspiring a new generation of young girls to follow their dreams and make their mark in the sport. ByteKick [41]

Cricket WOMEN’S SEMI-FINALS The Women’s Cricket Semi-Finals held on 19th and 26th February 2023 were nothing short of nail-biting encounters that kept fans on the edge of their seats. FRAGOMEN BOTH vs TEAMS PLAYED XEROX WELL SEMI 01 Xerox, in reply, struggled to get going and managed only 36 In the first match, Xerox took on runs in their entire innings for the Fragomen in a high-stakes clash loss of 2 wickets. Their innings was that promised to be an exciting characterized by a lack of boundar- spectacle. ies, with the team managing to hit just 2 fours throughout their innings. The Fragomen won the toss and chose team’s inability to score runs against to bat first. The team put up a chal- the disciplined Fragomen bowling at- lenging total of 93 runs for the loss tack resulted in a comprehensive de- of just one wicket in their allotted 6 feat by 57 runs. overs. Bincy, the star batter of the team, played a scintillating knock of 58 runs off just 22 balls, hitting 5 six- es and 6 fours to take her team to a commanding position. SEMI 02 In the second semi-final, EY took In response, TCS chased down the EY on TCS in what was expected to be target of 12 runs in just 4 balls, with Priya a closely fought contest. However, it hitting a boundary and Jezah hitting a VS turned out to be a one-sided affair, six to seal the victory for her team. The with TCS putting on a dominant per- final scorecard read 0/13(0.4) in favor TCS formance to secure their place in the of TCS. final. EY batted first and was complete- ly outplayed by the TCS bowling at- tack, managing just 11 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 6 overs. The TCS bowlers were in top form, with Elizabeth even managing to bowl a maiden over with a wicket to her name. The team’s innings fea- tured only 3 extra runs and not a sin- gle boundary, with 25 dot balls being bowled. [42] ByteKick

Cricket fans INTO THE Cricket around the FINALS IT industry were CRICKET eagerly waiting WOMEN’S FINALS for the grand finale to unfold. On March 5, 2023, the women’s cricket final of the IT Futsal Challenge took place be- FRAGOMEN tween Fragomen and TCS. The match was highly anticipated as both teams had VS played exceptionally well throughout the tournament. TCS BByytt ee KK ii cc kk [[ 44 33 ] TCS bat first, putting up a score of 70 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Jazah was the top scorer for TCS, hitting 26 runs with 3 sixes and 1 four, while Remya contributed 16 runs with 2 fours. Elizabeth hit the last two balls for six, taking the team’s total to 70 runs. With sixes:6 and fours:4, it was a big total to chase down in a high-pressure game like the final. In response, Fragomen could only manage to score 51 runs, falling short by 19 runs. The team struggled to find momentum in their innings, with only 2 sixes and 2 fours. Binsi, who had been the star perform- er for Fragomen in the previous match- es and the only player to score a fifty in the tournament, was on the non-striker end for most of the innings. The team faced 12 crucial dot balls, and taking singles never helped them in chasing. GET LEAN WITH THE BEAST

Cricket KEY PL RISE Akhil, the opener, played a starring role in the LIKE victory, including a tournament-high 16 sixes and A PRO 1 four. This was the first century of the tournament and Akhil’s dominant display left the opposition in awe of his talent. Arjun also made a valuable contribution to the team’s total, scoring 38 runs off just 10 balls, including 6 sixes. Throughout his innings, Akhil unleashed a bar- rage of powerful shots that sent the ball sailing over the boundary ropes. His shot selection was impeccable, and he hit a variety of cricketing shots to score his runs.Some of the shots that Akhil played during his century include the straight drive, cover drive, pull shot, cut shot, and lofted shots over the infield. Akhil’s striking was so clean and powerful that he hit a tournament-high 16 sixes during his in- nings. He also hit a single four, showcasing his ability to find the gaps in the field. 104 runs off just 26 balls POWER HITTER Akhil In round 1, match 4 of the IT Futsal Challenge, the Claysys cricket team put on a phenomenal display of batting against their opponents, Aspire Systems. The Claysys team won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring an incredible 150 runs in just 6 overs without losing any wickets. This opening stand was the high- est of the tournament and showcased the team’s immense talent and determination. AKHIL HITS FIRST CENTURY AT THE IT FUTSAL CHALLENGE 2023 [44] ByteKick

Cricket AYERS CRICKET’S DYNAMIC DUO The ITFUTSAL cricket tournament witnessed some exceptional performances from all-rounders, and two of the best were Dhanush from team Cognizant and Amit from team Unique Leads. Both these players showcased their skills with the bat and ball, making them invaluable assets for their respective teams. Dhanush was a rare talent who always opened Both Dhanush and Amit were exception- the innings either with the bat or ball. He scored a al all-rounders who displayed their talents in the total of 129 runs from four innings and picked up tournament. While Dhanush showcased his batting ten wickets from five matches with 30 dot balls. prowess and wicket-taking abilities, Amit displayed Half of the balls he bowled in the tournament excellent bowling skills and the ability to score quick were valuable dots, proving his worth as a bowler. runs. Dhanush’s unique ability to score runs at a blis- The fact that both these players could contribute tering strike rate while also being a potent wick- equally to both batting and bowling departments et-taking option with the ball made him a force to made them invaluable assets for their teams. It will be reckoned with. He displayed an array of shots, be exciting to see how they perform in upcoming including the pull shot and sweep shot, which he tournaments and if they can continue to showcase executed to perfection. Dhanush’s sportsman their exceptional all-round skills. spirit was also exemplary, making him a popular figure in the tournament. Amit, on the other hand, had a very good ac- tion and pace in his bowling. He picked up five wickets from two matches with seven dot balls, and his last over in the first match and fifty in just 11 balls were memorable. In the second match, Amit took three wickets in the first over while his team was defending just 31 runs. Amit also contributed with the bat, scoring 56 runs from just two innings. Dhanush Amit ByteKick [45]

Sponsors A Heartfelt Thanks to OurValued Sponsors from Bridge Global We would like to express our sincere gratitude to We would like to thank our Platinum Sponsors, all the sponsors who have supported us in making Gold Sponsors, and Silver Sponsors for their finan- the IT Futsal Challenge a grand success year after cial contributions, which have helped us cover the year. costs associated with organizing the event, includ- Your generous contributions and unwavering ing the venue, equipment, and prizes. support have been instrumental in making the event a memorable experience for all the partici- pants and attendees. It is through your continued support that we have been able to promote a healthy and competitive spirit among IT professionals from different com- panies. VENUE PARTNER THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT We would also like to extend our appreciation to our venue partner, United Sports Centre - Kak- kanad, Kochi, for providing us with excellent indoor and outdoor turf facilities and for extending their full support during the event. Your contributions have been crucial in making the event a grand success, and we are grateful for your support. We look forward to continuing our partnership with United Sports Centre in the future and organizing more exciting events for the IT com- munity. Once again, thank you for your unwavering sup- port and encouragement. We look forward to con- tinuing our partnership in the future and making the IT Futsal Challenge an even bigger success in the years to come. [46] ByteKick

Sponsors ByteKick [47]

Media Top News The IT Futsal Challenge has gained signif- THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN THE SUCCESS OF THE IT FUTSAL CHALLENGE icant publicity over the years through var- ious media channels. The tournament has been covered by leading newspapers and TV channels, who have highlighted the excite- ment and enthusiasm surrounding the event. This media coverage has helped to in- crease awareness of the tournament, at- tracting more participants and sponsors to the event each year. The organizers are grateful for the support of the media and are committed to continu- ing to make the IT Futsal Challenge one of the most exciting and well-known sports events for IT professionals. [48] ByteKick

Drop of Life Drop of Life INSPIRING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH IT FUTSAL CHALLENGE IT Futsal Challenge 2020 was more than just a The Futsal 2020 venue had interesting expos show- sporting event. It is a platform for social awareness casing the models and inspiring visitors to take ac- and community outreach, as demonstrated by the tion to save resources. The campaign aims to create initiative of the ‘Drop of Life’ community. a unique platform for reminding society about the need for saving our planet and its resources. The Drop of Life campaign has been an integral part of the IT Futsal Challenge since 2018, and it aims Drop of Life’s initiatives have been hugely success- to create social awareness and promote responsible ful in the past, and the organization has collaborat- behavior toward critical issues that affect our planet. ed with Mazhapolima and other partners to spread The campaign’s past events have focused on wa- awareness about water conservation and other is- ter conservation and the adverse effects of global sues. warming. Drop of Life’s initiatives demonstrates how sporting That year, the Drop of Life campaign is titled ‘Save events can be used as a platform to inspire social re- for Future,’ and it is designed to inspire social com- sponsibility and promote positive change. Through mitment and responsibility toward preserving our its work, Drop of Life is making a real difference in the planet’s resources for future generations. The event lives of people in need and creating a better future will feature winning models from school children for all of us. themed around the need for saving resources. ByteKick [49]

Appreciation APPRECIATION IT Futsal Challenge’s current season events were The invaluable support and constructive feedback unique, as they focused on empowering women from the contestants and audience alike served as in the workplace and promoting gender diversity a guiding light in our journey towards an even more through sports. However, the organizers made sure magnificent season to come to encourage female participation, and they were thrilled to see so many women stepping up to com- To, keep your eyes peeled and your spirits high as pete and showcase their athletic abilities. we regroup with renewed vigor and promise to de- liver even more extraordinary moments in our next The event showcased the talent and competitive season. Until then, let’s raise a toast to this unforget- spirit of IT employees, who despite their demanding table journey! professional lives, made time for sports and recrea- tion. The games were played in a friendly and sup- portive atmosphere, with participants cheering for each other and displaying true sportsmanship. The audience also praised the event, noting that the games were decent and mature, without any disagreements or arguments. They were impressed that Bridge Global employees managed the entire event on their own. One audience member stated, “This time, the per- formances were top-notch. Seeing others play made us want to play too. During Corona, we really missed this event, but now it’s back with a bang.” In retrospect, the tournament was a remarkable triumph, leaving us overjoyed with pride for the ex- ceptional athletes and Bridgies who contributed to its success. [50] ByteKick