Increase in number of players willing to represent PU teams

Deepankar Sharda

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Chandigarh, February 19

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Directorate of Sports has witnessed a significant increase in number of players willing to represent the Panjab University campus teams in various inter-college championships.

Despite the Covid-hit season, we received an overwhelming response from players interested in representing the Panjab University campus. Our teams are yet to participate in inter-college championships. The number of wins will certainly go up this time. — Dr Dolly, Deputy Director, Physical Education (Campus Sports), Panjab University

Though the campus was closed, students turned up in large number for the trials conducted to select Panjab University campus teams. Officials were reluctant on conducting trials as they feared a low turnout. However, through trials, students got an excuse to visit the campus during the partial lockdown.

As per the available data, 332 students participated and won medals in different inter-college (various games) tournaments in the 2019-20 session.

However, in the current 2021-22 session, 191 (women) and 196 (men) participated and won medals in various tournaments. Notably, over 15 inter-college championships are yet to be conducted this year.

“Despite Covid hit season, we received an overwhelming response from players interested in representing the Panjab University campus. Our teams are yet to participate in many inter-college championships. The number of wins will certainly go up,” said Dr Dolly, Deputy Director, Physical Education (Campus Sports), Panjab University. Owing to the Covid pandemic, the authorities had failed to conduct championships for the 2020-21 session.

The performance of campus’ teams is also likely to help the Panjab University up its ranking as the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team’s visit is scheduled in June.

Number of participations and development in sports infrastructure are assessed while rating an institution.

The NAAC team had last visited the PU campus in 2015. However, in all these years Panjab University won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy thrice and had developed its infrastructure.

“The authorities are well aware about the importance of achievements in sports for improving the NAAC ratings. The increase in participation of students has come at the right time. A detailed report in this regard can be presented before the committee,” said a senior official.

Since 2015, the authorities have successfully built a hockey Astroturf and significantly improved other PU infrastructure. However, various projects, including procuring synthetic athletics track, installing floodlights at tennis courts and developing football grounds are still under process.

Conducting various inter-college championships at different institutions of Punjab and Chandigarh despite having facilities on the PU campus might give a negative impression to the NAAC team.