Chennai, 28th August 2026: As India prepares to observe National Sports Day on 29th August, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is introducing to the world a brand new competitive sport called ‘Phiball’, an innovative three-team invasion sport that introduces a new dimension to competitive team sport.
Phiball features three teams competing simultaneously on a circular court, which differs from conventional invasion sports that involve two competing teams. Each team attacks two opponent baskets while defending one. This requires players to constantly assess multiple opponents and rapidly adapt their strategies.
The sport was launched in the campus today (28th Aug 2026) in the presence of Prof. Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, students, faculty, teams from city colleges and other stakeholders.
The game was launched as a commemoration to the National Sports Day, observed on 29th August, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Each team comprises seven registered players — four active players and three substitutes. The sport is played on a 26-metre-diameter circular court, divided into three equal 120-degree sectors, with three baskets positioned around the playing area. The court also includes dedicated safety and playing zones, including a 4-metre Centre Free Zone and a No-Offense Zone beneath each basket.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “IIT Madras not only innovates in technology, but also in sports. The phi-ball is the new game that involves multiple teams and also captures the field dimensions mathematically. Winning the game requires accuracy, presence of mind, team work and good physical health - all that are essential for a happy life.”
Speaking about this sport, Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, said, “Phiball has been developed around the core values of teamwork, speed, communication, tactical decision-making, fairness and safety. Its three-team structure challenges players to simultaneously monitor multiple opponents and changing attacking and defensive situations. The sport seeks to provide a fresh competitive experience while helping players develop physical, technical and tactical abilities. Its guiding principles emphasise respect for opponents and officials, fair play, player safety, teamwork and communication.”
‘DISTINCTIVE SPORTING EXPERIENCE’
With its three-team, three-basket and rotational format, Phiball aims to establish itself as a distinctive sporting experience and create new opportunities for participation and competition.
The global launch and initial sporting engagement will involve participants from:
1. IIT Madras
2. A M Jain College of Arts and Science
3. Patrician College of Arts and Science
4. Presidency College of Arts and Science
5. Sathyabama University
6. Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University
7. The New College of Arts and Science
8. VIT Chennai
9. YMCA College of Physical Education
The launch marks the beginning of an initiative to introduce, develop and promote PHIBALL as a distinctive sporting format. With clearly defined rules and match procedures, and a strong emphasis on safety, teamwork and fair play, PHIBALL seeks to offer a fresh and engaging approach to team competition.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Clockwise defensive-basket rotation is an important aspect of the game. Teams change the basket they defend after every quarter, exposing players to different attacking and defensive situations throughout the match. A match consists of three 8-minute quarters, with three-minute intervals between quarters. A 24-second shot clock applies to new possessions, with a 14-second reset in applicable situations.
The scoring system is as follows:
Ø 1 point: Successful free throw
Ø 2 points: Field goal inside the 6.75-metre arc
Ø 3 points: Field goal beyond the 6.75-metre arc
Shooting is not permitted from the Centre Free Zone, encouraging movement, passing and tactical positioning.
Safety and fair competition are central to Phiball. Three floor referees oversee the three sectors of the court, supported by a scorekeeper, timekeeper and shot-clock operator. Substitutions are permitted during dead-ball situations with referee authorisation.
The sport incorporates clearly-defined rules governing travelling, double dribbling, fouls and other violations, drawing on applicable 3×3 basketball principles while incorporating modifications specific to Phiball