The All-India Judges Badminton Championship 2025 took place on November 29-30, 2025, at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi, marking a historic first-of-its-kind event that brought together the judiciary and executive branch in a friendly sporting competition. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath faced off against Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in an exhibition match, symbolizing the separation of powers through a gentle reminder of boundaries on the badminton court. The two-day tournament featured approximately 84 judges from the Supreme Court and high courts, including five women judges, competing in singles and doubles matches across men's and women's categories. The event was organized by former international badminton player Abantika Deka with support from the Ministry of Law and Justice and approval from the Supreme Court of India, presented as a wellness initiative to promote fitness and camaraderie within the judicial fraternity. CJI Surya Kant emphasized that judges work long, demanding, and stressful hours involving considerable sitting, making participation in recreational activities essential for their mental and physical well-being. He noted that nearly 75 High Court judges participated in the tournament, demonstrating their awareness of the importance of fitness and balanced lifestyles. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal praised the initiative as a positive message about fitness, while Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated that the Supreme Court plans to organize more sports tournaments for judges beyond badminton. The championship aimed to encourage health, sportsmanship, and camaraderie across the judicial fraternity while modeling preventive health practices for public institutions. The opening and closing ceremonies were graced by senior government officials and judiciary leaders, with former Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath felicitating the winners. Justice Nath and Justice Dipankar Datta reportedly practiced with badminton racquets for over a week to prepare for the matches. The event represented a unique national initiative where the judiciary leads by example to promote fitness and a balanced lifestyle, with support from FIT India and various government ministries.
Why it matters:
- Demonstrates judicial-executive cooperation and wellness priorities within India's highest courts
- Sets precedent for promoting mental and physical health among judges handling stressful caseloads
Key Points
- First-of-its-kind All-India Judges Badminton Championship held November 29-30, 2025 at Thyagraj Stadium
- CJI Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath competed against Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal
- Approximately 84 judges from Supreme Court and high courts participated, including 5 women judges
- CJI emphasized judges' stressful work requires regular recreational activities for mental and physical fitness
- Event organized by former international badminton player Abantika Deka with government and Supreme Court approval
- Plans announced for additional sports tournaments beyond badminton for judicial officers
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