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IIT Madras launched Phiball, a three-team competitive invasion sport, on its Chennai campus on 28 August 2026, on the eve of National Sports Day.
Three teams play simultaneously on a circular court, each attacking two baskets while defending one, and rotating the basket they defend after every quarter.
Each team registers seven players - four on court and three substitutes - and a match runs over three eight-minute quarters, with baskets worth one to three points.
The rules were designed over two months with basketball coaches to cut the space and infrastructure a game needs, so schools with limited facilities can adopt it.
Phiball follows OmegaBall, the three-team football format IIT Madras introduced in April 2026.
Invented by James Naismith in 1891 at Springfield, Massachusetts, in the United States - the parent sport Phiball modifies.
Team games in which players enter the opponent's territory to score: football, hockey, basketball, kabaddi and rugby all belong to this category.
Observed on 29 August, the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand; the Phiball launch was aligned to it.
The three-team football format IIT Madras introduced in April 2026, and the direct inspiration for Phiball.
General Awareness > Sports and Current Affairs
General Awareness > Current Affairs
General Awareness > Current Affairs
A team game in which players enter the opponent's territory in order to score points.
A three-team football format, introduced by IIT Madras in April 2026, that inspired Phiball.