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Corporate Challenge kicks off

Cha-Am (Thailand): For the weary executives and software specialists, it is time to junk the swot-analysis and the speadsheets and perhaps adopt the sweat streaks and the sporting spirit in an arena rich with a touch of the oriental mystique.

The Microsoft Corporate Sports Challenge event’s third edition commenced at the Hua Hin Resort located on the Gulf of Thailand on Thursday night with an introductory session followed by preliminary rounds. The event features 210 participants from 35 teams — primarily corporate entities besides a lone media team. The three-day event, that will gather steam on Friday before winding to a close on Saturday night, is expected to "test the participants in a range of physical and mental skills," according to an official associated with the event. The current edition’s events are spread across five stages.

"It is a gruelling test that will stretch your physical resources through events like running, cycling, trekking besides testing your logical skills through sessions like stock market analysis," said Abhay, who had participated last year.

The event is also expected to be a reality check for participants to gauge their fitness levels. “I am a bit perturbed by the physical standards they expect,” said Sriram, a software programmer.

The Microsoft Challenge title was earlier bagged by Standard Chartered Bank at Kochi last year and by ICICI in the inaugural edition at Goa. Points are awarded on the basis of time taken to complete the events after adding bonus points and deducting penalties.

It is time for the harried corporate executive, to slip on those track-pants and hit the start-line with a prayer and some optimism.

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