Marine Sports Association: Shaping Cadets Beyond the Engine Room

Marine Sports Association: Shaping Cadets Beyond the Engine Room

When one thinks of marine engineering, the mind often turns to machinery, precision, and the relentless effort required to keep ships moving across vast oceans. Yet, every marine engineer knows that life at sea demands much more than technical expertise. It requires physical endurance, mental resilience, and above all, the ability to work as a team.

These qualities are not cultivated only in classrooms or workshops—they are forged equally on the playing field. This philosophy led to the creation of the Marine Sports Association (MSA), a remarkable initiative founded by the proud alumni of the Directorate of Marine Engineering and Training (DMET)—today known as the Indian Maritime University (IMU). What began as a vision of senior alumni has now grown into a movement that inspires cadets to view sports not merely as recreation, but as a way of life.

Why MSA Was Born

In most colleges, sports are often regarded as secondary to academics. But for marine engineers, they are as vital as technical training. A career at sea will test not only one’s competence but also one’s endurance and emotional strength. Storms, extended voyages, and demanding shifts require the ability to stay composed under stress.

This is where sports play a transformative role. Whether it is basketball, football, cricket, or athletics, the spirit of sport teaches cadets to push boundaries, embrace teamwork, celebrate victories with humility, and rise from setbacks with renewed determination.

As Mr. Rahul Ahirwar, Secretary of MSA, eloquently put it:

“Career wise, we know someone studying in our college will have remarkable success in the future. That’s why we want to take care and support the sports culture of our college. We aim to build teams in all sports and compete against IITs and other reputed colleges. We also ensure our coaches are looked after, because just as we are in safe hands professionally, why not enhance our sporting quality too? Sports give us a dopamine rush, keep us away from depression, and give us the strength to bounce back in life.”

His words capture the very essence of the association: sports are not just games, but a form of therapy, motivation, and preparation for the life ahead.

The Leaders Behind the Movement

Every initiative thrives on strong leadership, and the Marine Sports Association is no exception. Today, it stands tall thanks to alumni who dedicate their time, resources, and vision to its growth.

• Mr. Gaurav Singh Rajput, President – steering the association with clarity and purpose.

• Mr. Rahul Ahirwar, Secretary – the driving force behind initiatives and execution.

• Mr. Jaish Kumar, Assistant Secretary – ensuring smooth coordination.

• Mr. Chandan Shrivastav, Treasurer – maintaining financial discipline and sustainability.

The foundation of MSA was laid with the invaluable contributions of alumni such as Mr. Ritesh Kumar, Mr. Nischal Sharan, Mr. Lalit Mohan, Mr. Vishal Rana, Mr. Vaibhav Khanna, Mr. Joshua Thomas, Mr. Atul Kumar, Mr. Vikram Singh, Mr. Sunandan Jain, Mr. Pushpendra Bhati, Mr. Ajay Sankla, Mr. Nurul Haque, and Mr. Himanshu Phool.

Carrying this legacy forward are actively involved alumni including Mr. Subhendu Sharma, Mr. Manoraj Sangha, Mr. Satish Biswal, Mr. Anurag Ola, and Mr. Gyan.

These names remind every cadet that MSA is more than an association—it is a bridge between generations, uniting past and present to nurture excellence.

When MSA Took the Court

A milestone moment for the association came when the MSA basketball team proudly competed in the 2nd Division Tournament organized by the West Bengal Basketball Association.

The team was represented by: Saumya Ranjan Pradhan Sir, Ankit Mak Sir, Nikhil Saurav Murmu Sir, Kushagra Verma Sir, P. Sanjay Kumar Sir, Jitesh Maan Sir, Sujith S. Sir, Manish Chaudhary Sir, Sujith Kumar Sir, Meldrin Lawrence Lewis Sir, Jash Paresh Mehta Sir, Saksham Sir, Rishav Chaudhary Sir,

Mahendra Skandan Sir, Nishant Hembrom Sir, Sangeeth Saiju Sir, Jomal Joby Sir, Pranjal Dhokia Sir, Durgesh Sahu Sir, Amiraj Singh Khangura, Om Kumar Jena, Rajeenta Bara, Surjyanath Shit, Aryan Gulati, Vinayak Pradeep, Shivam Kattal, Rithwik K., and Karan Pratap Roy.

For these players, basketball was more than a sport—it was an opportunity to prove what cadets are capable of when united by purpose, determination, and discipline. Each pass, dribble, and basket symbolized the values of teamwork, resilience, and pride in representing IMU.

Sports and Mental Well-being

One of the most profound yet often overlooked contributions of sports lies in its impact on mental health. Cadets, who face intense academic and training pressures, find in sports a vital outlet. The adrenaline of competition, the laughter with teammates, and the shared pursuit of excellence help combat stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

As highlighted by Mr. Rahul Ahirwar, students engaged in sports are far less likely to succumb to depression. They develop the ability to rebound—not only in games, but also in life. MSA, therefore, is not only about creating strong athletes, but about nurturing balanced, resilient individuals.

Looking Beyond Trophies

While tournaments and medals are celebrated, MSA’s true mission extends far beyond the pursuit of trophies. Its vision is to create a lasting sports culture at IMU—one that empowers cadets to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with premier institutions like IITs and NITs.

Equally important is the recognition of coaches, whose guidance is as critical as that of faculty. By honoring and supporting them, MSA ensures cadets receive the highest quality mentorship, both on and off the field.

Sailing Into the Future

The Marine Sports Association is not just an alumni initiative; it is a legacy in motion. It embodies the belief that the journey of a marine engineer extends beyond mastering engines—it is also about mastering one’s own body, mind, and spirit.

Every practice session, every match, and every time the MSA banner is raised, the association reinforces IMU’s reputation as an institution that produces not just world-class engineers, but also resilient leaders and spirited sportsmen.

The message of MSA is timeless and powerful: Play with heart, stay strong in body and mind, and carry the spirit of teamwork into every storm—whether at sea, in sports, or in life.