In every organization, there are moments that stand out not just the milestones like product launches and quarterly outcomes. For Elixr Labs, the Elixr Cup has become one such moment. It is an annual event we conduct, that blends fitness, collaboration and team spirit into a single day that feels both energizing and meaningful. We brought the office together for our annual Elixr Cup at Elixr Labs and it was everything. What began as a friendly internal tournament has slowly grown into a tradition that reinforces our values, energizes our people and creates moments of connection. This also brought together colleagues from across locations, departments and work styles, offering a rare opportunity for remote and on-site teams to meet in person, interact informally and engage beyond the boundaries of daily tasks. What unfolded was not simply a set of games but a powerful demonstration of what truly teamwork looks like outside the digital spaces.

Preparing for the Field: A Reminder of Physical Wellbeing

In the months leading up to the Elixr Cup, I made the decision to practise as the sport demands a level of physical readiness that no number of back-to-back meetings or team calls can replicate. Motivated by this reality, I began practising cricket months before the event. To my surprise, many colleagues had started much earlier and their consistency reaffirmed a shared commitment in not only to perform well but also to ensure that the experience would be both competitive and enjoyable. The kind of commitment and discipline shown is usually often associated with project delivery, not recreational sport for us, when it comes to work space. And I was able to see that the conversations between teams that typically revolved around deadlines shifted toward strategy, technique and encouragement. These small but meaningful exchanges reminded me that fitness is not only about health it is about creating opportunities to engage differently beyond our professional roles.

As a founder of a healthtech company, I deeply understand the importance of physical well-being and when an organization creates opportunities that encourage employees to step away from their screens and re-engage physically, it really contributes back to long-term health, resilience and job satisfaction.

The Lasting Organizational Impact

What sets the Elixr Cup apart from typical workplace gatherings is the clarity of its impact.

• It supports physical wellbeing encouraging employees to move, stretch and use their bodies in ways the office environment does not always allow.
• It promotes psychological wellbeing like the rush of excitement and the joy of playing which helps in reducing stress and preventing burnout. These are few challenges that remain especially in hybrid organizations.

Reconnecting in a Hybrid World

One of the defining features of Elixr Labs is our hybrid structure: half of our team works remotely. This structure offers flexibility while also promoting autonomy and in turn supports productivity. Yet, this limits all the spontaneous interactions and the very moments that help teams feel connected beyond tasks. The Elixr Cup has created a space for reconnection.

While cricket dominated the field, the office witnessed two equally competitive games too: carrom and chess. Carrom brought an energetic, collaborative environment. Colleagues leaned over the boards, strategizing each strike and often surprising one another with their skills. On the other hand, chess brought a quiet intensity in the room. The focus and strategic depth required in the game mirrored the kind of deep-thinking that many of our roles demand.

Observing Leadership in Unexpected Places

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Elixr Cup is that it reveals leadership qualities in very unexpected ways. On the cricket field, individuals who may appear to be soft-spoken in meetings are seen to be strategic decision-makers or motivators during the game. In carrom, patience and precision took over the space. In chess, calm reasoning under pressure became immediately visible. Several moments during the event highlighted how leadership is not confined to titles. It emerges through initiative, encouragement, teamwork and resilience, the qualities that were shown repeatedly, whether someone was fielding on the boundary or calculating a chess move.

The ending of the Elixr Cup of this year naturally sparked a familiar conversation that When is the next one? This eagerness everyone shared is a reflection to the event’s real impact. When employees look forward to returning not only to their work but to their colleagues, it actually strengthens the organizational unity in powerful ways. As we begin planning for next year, the goal remains the same: to grow a healthy, collaborative and engaging environment where every employee whether remote or on-site feels part of something larger than their job roles.