- Sadhguru and Former Cricketer Robin Uthappa Join Divisional Matches at Sadhguru Sannidhi, Bengaluru
- Now in its 17th edition, the 2025 event spans Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, and the Union Territory of Puducherry
- In Tamil Nadu, competitions were hosted in Coimbatore, Salem, Vellore, Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tirunelveli
NE SPORTS BUREAU
COIMBATORE, SEPT 10
The divisional phase of Isha Gramotsavam 2025, India’s largest rural sports festival, brought together thousands of villagers across six states in a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community.
At Sadhguru Sannidhi, Bengaluru, the matches were graced by Sadhguru, former cricketer Robin Uthappa, and actress Srinidhi Shetty, who presented trophies to the victorious teams.
Launched by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsavam has grown into a social movement, reviving the rural spirit while breaking caste barriers, curbing addictions, empowering women, and strengthening community bonds. With the rule that only players from the same village panchayat can form a team, the tournament reinforces local identity and pride.
Now in its 17th edition, the 2025 event spans Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. More than 60,000 participants from 35,000 villages competed in men’s volleyball and women’s throwball during cluster and divisional phases.
In Tamil Nadu, competitions were hosted in Coimbatore, Salem, Vellore, Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tirunelveli, blending sports with cultural performances and traditional rural games. Divisional winners earned cash prizes of ₹12,000, while runners-up received ₹8,000.
The champions of these divisional matches will next converge for the grand finale at the iconic 112-ft Adiyogi at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, where national winners will share a prize pool of ₹67 lakh, including ₹5 lakh each for the men’s and women’s champions.
Unlike mainstream tournaments, Isha Gramotsavam celebrates everyday heroes—farmers, fishermen, homemakers, and daily-wage earners—who step onto the field not for glory alone, but for the joy of playing together. Recognised as a National Sports Promotion Organisation (NSPO) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Isha Outreach was also honoured with the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar in 2018 for its outstanding grassroots sports initiatives.
More than just competition, Isha Gramotsavam continues to stand as a festival of rural Bharat, where sport becomes a celebration of life, unity, and community strength.
