HNLU Asia Pacific Mediation Competition 2026: Team Secures Runner-Up

• A team from Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, secured the runner-up position at the Asia Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition, 2026.
• The competition, organized by the Australian Dispute Centre, took place from August 28 to 30.
• The HNLU team consisted of fourth-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons) students Karnika Gaira, Prashansa Verma, and Arushi Yadav.
• They also earned the "Best Team for Relationship Building" award during the competition.
• As a result of this special recognition, the students were offered an internship opportunity with the Australian Dispute Centre.

Their collective effort and strategic approach enabled them to navigate the challenging rounds of the competition, ultimately earning them a distinguished second-place finish among a competitive field of participants.

A team representing Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) from Raipur recently secured the runner-up position at the prestigious Asia Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition, 2026. This significant accomplishment highlights the growing prowess of Indian law students on an international stage in alternative dispute resolution. The competition, a key event for aspiring legal professionals, was meticulously organized by the Australian Dispute Centre and took place over three days, from August 28 to August 30.

The successful HNLU Asia Pacific Mediation Competition 2026 team comprised three fourth-year students pursuing their B.A. LL.B. (Hons) degrees: Karnika Gaira, Prashansa Verma, and Arushi Yadav. Their collective effort and strategic approach enabled them to navigate the challenging rounds of the competition, ultimately earning them a distinguished second-place finish among a competitive field of participants. This result underscores the quality of legal education and practical training provided at HNLU.

Beyond their impressive second-place standing, the Hidayatullah National Law University team received additional accolades for their exceptional performance in specific aspects of the competition. They were specifically recognized as the "Best Team for Relationship Building," an award that speaks to their adeptness in fostering constructive dialogue and understanding between parties—a critical skill in effective mediation. This particular recognition underscores the comprehensive skill set possessed by the commercial mediation India students.

As a direct consequence of earning the "Best Team for Relationship Building" honor, the students were presented with a valuable opportunity: an internship with the Australian Dispute Centre. This internship offers a unique chance for Karnika Gaira, Prashansa Verma, and Arushi Yadav to gain practical, real-world experience in alternative dispute resolution, further cementing their expertise and providing a significant boost to their burgeoning legal careers. Such opportunities are invaluable for young legal professionals looking to specialize in ADR.

The success of the HNLU team at the Asia Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition 2026 underscores the increasing emphasis on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) within legal curricula globally. Competitions like this serve as vital platforms for law school ADR competition participants to hone their negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills in a simulated environment, preparing them for the complexities of commercial disputes. The Australian Dispute Centre mediation format challenges students to think critically and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

This achievement by Karnika Gaira, Prashansa Verma, and Arushi Yadav not only brings distinction to Hidayatullah National Law University but also highlights the caliber of emerging legal talent from India on the international stage. Their success in a competition focused on commercial mediation India students showcases the country's commitment to developing expertise in alternative dispute resolution, an area of law with growing global relevance. Such international recognition can inspire other law students to pursue excellence in ADR.

The experience gained from competing in the HNLU Asia Pacific Mediation Competition 2026, coupled with the internship opportunity, will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the professional development of these students. It reinforces the idea that practical, client-focused skills are paramount in contemporary legal practice, and that Indian law schools are effectively preparing their students to meet these demands. This success story serves as a testament to the dedication of both the students and their institution.

This article reports on a law school competition result and does not present a direct, actionable legal implication for practicing lawyers or compliance officers in terms of new regulations, compliance requirements, or legal strategy.

Source: Original reporting