The CSIR Sports Promotion Board (SPB) conducts the Atma Ram Memorial Volleyball Tournament (AMVT) and the Nayudamma Memorial Cricket Tournament (NMCT) every alternate year. These tournaments promote sportsmanship, talent development, and health awareness across CSIR laboratories and various scientific & defence organizations.
CSIR’s central teams participate along with invited teams from various S&T ministries, defence departments, and local institutional teams. The tournaments are a platform for national-level sporting excellence while honoring two of India's most influential scientific leaders:
Dr. Atma Ram (1908–1983), former DG-CSIR, was Principal Advisor to the Prime Minister on Science & Technology (1977–1983). He contributed immensely to glass, ceramics, and national S&T growth. He received the Padma Shri (1959). The Atmaram Award is presented in his honor by the Central Institute of Hindi.
Dr. Yelavarthy Nayudamma (1922–1985), former DG-CSIR, was a celebrated leather technologist, Director of CLRI, and Vice Chancellor of JNU. He received the prestigious Padma Shri and several international honors. The Nayudamma Memorial Award is given annually by the Nayudamma Trust. He tragically passed away in the Kanishka Air India crash.
