A first — an athletics meet for Chandigarh coaches, officials

Rare are the scenes when coaches and administrators throw an open challenge to each other. It happened at the Sector 7 Sports Complex on Sunday when coaches and officials of the UT Sports Department, including the Director, took part in an intramural athletics meet organised to promote sportsmanship.

Now, the department will host such events every two months. The next will be a one-day volleyball meet at the Sector 42 Sports Complex in September.

“It was great day today. More than winning medals, it was a matter of showcasing sportsmanship. The department has decided to conduct such events to keep everyone motivated and these will be included in our annual calendar too,” said Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director, Sports, UT.

Track and field events, including dash races, walk races and shot put, were conducted today. The winners of each race were awarded medals.

“Such an event provides a good platform for coaches to interact and remain close to their routine of fitness,” said a coach, seeking anonymity. “Even if it was an intramural meet, the matter of winning a medal is equally challenging like any other competitive event,” added another coach.