On 23 February 2025, amidst the high energy of the prestigious Kurukshetra techno-management festival at Anna University, Chennai, two standout innovators—Yuvanesh Balaji and Shirish—emerged victorious. Representing their institution and showcasing exceptional teamwork and technical mastery, they secured the First Prize in the fiercely contested Robo Soccer competition and were awarded a cash prize of ₹6,000.
The Arena of Innovation
Kurukshetra 2025—an international festival hosted by the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG)—draws engineering talents nationwide. As a UNESCO-patronized fest since its 2007 inception, it’s known for the tagline “The Battle of Brains” .Held over late February, the fest featured over four days of electrifying competitions including Robo Soccer, Robowars, Solar Plant Design, and underwater robotics.
On Day 3, participants from across India battled for supremacy in the Robo Soccer arena—robots designed to strategize, dribble, and score autonomously on mini soccer pitches.
The Road to First Prize
Yuvanesh and Shirish brought their A-game: designing robots capable of precise movement, intelligent decision-making, and coordinated teamwork. Their rituals included:
- Mechanical design excellence: built durable, high-maneuverability bots.
- Tactical programming: enabled adaptive responses to dynamic match situations.
- Team synergy: synchronized strategies to outplay rivals during matches.
This combination of hardware and software innovation set them apart, propelling their bots through the knockout rounds and into the final—where their performance clinched top honors.
Triumphant Moment and Recognition
When the judges announced Yuvanesh Balaji & Shirish as the winners, the arena burst into applause. Receiving the prestigious First Prize—along with a ₹6,000 cash award—was a moment of elation and validation. The victory spotlighted their expertise, determination, and spirit of innovation.
Final Thoughts
The triumph of Yuvanesh Balaji and Shirish at Kurukshetra 2025 is more than a medal—it’s a testament to the blend of ingenuity, dedication, and passion. Their success embodies the very spirit of Kurukshetra: fierce competition, cutting-edge innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With their eyes set on new challenges ahead, these young roboticists are poised to shape the future of tech and inspire the next wave of STEM talent.
