On a lively afternoon filled with camaraderie, strategy, and friendly competition, the Mauritius Robotics Team 2025 gathered at Strike City for a much-anticipated team-building activity. This event was not just an opportunity for students to unwind; it also marked the first official meeting with almost all participants who are preparing for the prestigious FIRST Global Challenge 2025, set to take place in Panama.

The gathering served as a platform for students to get acquainted beyond the confines of online meetings and training schedules, building personal connections that will be essential for collaborative success on the global stage. Adding to the significance of the day, the team had the honour of meeting Dr. Krishna Athal, Founder and Director of YUVA, whose mentorship and vision continue to inspire young innovators across the nation.

Laying the Foundation for a United Team

Preparing for a world-class competition like the FIRST Global Challenge demands more than technical skills. Success relies on team cohesion, mutual trust, and clear communication. For many of the students, Strike City was the very first time they met their teammates face-to-face.

The event began with warm introductions and informal conversations, allowing everyone to break the ice before diving into the activities. Dr. Krishna Athal welcomed the participants, expressing his pride in the team’s representation of Mauritius on the international robotics stage. He spoke about the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and sportsmanship, traits that are as essential in robotics as they are in life.

Inspiration from Alumni

Adding an extra layer of value to the event was the presence of several alumni from previous Mauritius Robotics Teams. These experienced individuals, having already represented the country in past FIRST Global Challenges, offered the students powerful, experience-driven advice.

They spoke candidly about the highs and lows of competing on the world stage—how to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly to unexpected challenges, and maintain a spirit of cooperation even in intense moments. They also shared practical tips on time management during the competition, team communication under stress, and making the most of cultural exchange opportunities.

For the current team members, hearing directly from those who had “been there and done that” was an invaluable opportunity to learn from real-world experiences, preparing them mentally and emotionally for Panama.

Bowling: Precision, Strategy, and Fun

The first activity of the day was bowling—a game that, much like robotics, requires focus, calculated moves, and teamwork. Students formed small groups and quickly got into the spirit of friendly rivalry. Every strike and spare was celebrated with high-fives and cheerful laughter, while missed shots were met with encouragement and playful banter.

Bowling proved to be more than just a leisure activity. It subtly mirrored the dynamics of the competition they will face in Panama:

• Strategic planning – Understanding how to adjust angles and power for better results.
• Adaptability – Making quick adjustments when the first attempt doesn’t go as planned.
• Supportive culture – Encouraging teammates to keep improving.

By the end of the bowling session, participants had already begun to develop an intuitive sense of how to work together—something that will be crucial when assembling, programming, and competing with their robot.

Pool Tables: Sharpening Focus and Precision

After the bowling lanes, the students moved to the pool tables, where a different kind of skill set came into play. Here, patience, precision, and tactical thinking were in the spotlight. While some students demonstrated prior experience with cue sticks, others were learning the basics for the first time.

The games became a melting pot of teaching moments—those who were more experienced took the time to guide beginners, explaining rules and techniques. This mentorship within the team echoed what will happen during their robotics journey, where students will need to share knowledge and assist one another to overcome technical challenges.

Pool, like robotics, demands calm under pressure, careful calculation, and anticipation of the opponent’s next move—all valuable skills as they prepare for the unpredictable nature of live competition.

Meeting Dr. Krishna Athal: Leadership and Inspiration

For many students, one of the highlights of the day was meeting Dr. Krishna Athal in person. As the Founder and Director of YUVA, Dr. Athal has been instrumental in empowering young people across Mauritius through education, leadership development, and skill-building programmes.

During the informal meet-and-greet, Dr. Athal took time to interact with each participant, asking about their background, interests, and aspirations. His presence not only boosted morale but also reinforced the idea that the Mauritius Robotics Team is part of a larger mission—to showcase the innovation, creativity, and talent of Mauritian youth to the world.

He reminded the students that while the goal is to perform well in Panama, the journey itself—learning, collaborating, and growing as individuals—is equally valuable. His words resonated with the team, setting a positive tone for the months of preparation ahead.

The Importance of Team Building Before Panama

The FIRST Global Challenge is more than a robotics competition—it’s a gathering of brilliant young minds from around the world, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and technological problem-solving. Representing Mauritius on such a platform is both an honour and a responsibility.

Team-building activities like this one at Strike City are essential because they:

1. Build Trust – Personal connections make it easier to rely on each other during stressful competition moments.
2. Improve Communication – Knowing how teammates think and respond helps avoid misunderstandings.
3. Boost Morale – Shared fun experiences create a positive team spirit that carries into work sessions.
4. Encourage Leadership – Informal games allow natural leaders to emerge while also giving others a chance to take initiative.
5. Foster Problem-Solving Skills – Games like bowling and pool require quick thinking, which parallels on-the-spot troubleshooting in robotics.

Looking Ahead to Panama

With the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 only months away, the Mauritius Robotics Team now has an extra layer of unity and motivation. The event at Strike City proved that the students are not only capable as individuals but also promising as a cohesive team ready to face international challenges.

In the coming weeks, their focus will shift to technical training, robot design, and strategy refinement. However, the friendships formed, the trust built, and the wisdom shared by alumni during this first official gathering will act as the foundation for their teamwork under the pressure of global competition.

A Day to Remember

The Strike City team-building event will be remembered not only for the strikes, spares, and close pool shots but also for the shared laughter, inspiring alumni advice, and new bonds. It was the beginning of a journey where fun and friendship meet focus and determination.

As the Mauritius Robotics Team 2025 looks towards Panama, they carry with them the energy of this day—a reminder that success in robotics is not just about building a machine, but about building a team.

And with the support of YUVA, the guidance of Dr. Krishna Athal, the insights from past team members, and the dedication of each participant, the future looks bright for Mauritius on the global robotics stage.