Building champions: Sonepat sports varsity concludes month-long summer training camp

A month-long summer sports training camp at Haryana Sports University, Sonepat, concluded on Sunday with a grand closing ceremony graced by Padma Shri wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt as the chief guest. A total of 145 students participated in this intensive camp, receiving structured coaching in nine major sports disciplines: athletics, basketball, football, badminton, volleyball, hockey, cricket, boxing and tennis.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor (V-C) Prof Ashok Kumar highlighted the scientifically driven training model adopted during the camp. “Alongside physical training, the camp emphasised mental resilience, sports science and team collaboration. Our aim is to prepare at least 70 athletes from our university’s sports school to compete at national-level tournaments,” the V-C said.

Prof Kumar also outlined the unique features of the camp, which included sessions on sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics, physiology, injury management, rehabilitation and strength and conditioning.

Yoga and swimming were incorporated for physical recovery and friendly matches were organised by inviting external teams to provide students with real-time tournament experience.

To assess student progress, pre- and post-assessments were conducted, showing significant improvement in key motor fitness components such as speed, agility, strength, flexibility and endurance. The camp reported visible performance enhancement across all sports disciplines.

Looking ahead, Prof Kumar shared the university’s future plans: “Team trials for all sports will be held in the second week of July. The athletics division will be expanded and periodic training schedules will be aligned with major events like the Haryana State Championships, School Nationals and Open Nationals.”

In his motivational speech, Chief Guest Yogeshwar Dutt urged the students to pursue both academics and sports with equal dedication. “Discipline and dedication are the keys to success. You’ve taken a major step forward by learning vital subjects like sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, physiology and injury rehabilitation. If you want to become a great athlete, hard work and sacrifice must become your way of life. An athlete is defined by the sacrifices they make,” he remarked.

Dr Mausumi Ghoshal, Principal and Director of the school, expressed her aspirations: “We want our students to excel in all sports and bring glory to the nation on international platforms. This camp will be a solid stepping stone towards that future.”

Sports Director Sanjay Saraswat stated that participants were selected based on motor fitness, interest in sports, and skill assessments. “All students showed tremendous dedication and received comprehensive exposure through this camp,” he added.

At the closing ceremony, all participants were felicitated and the best player from each sport, along with one overall best boy and best girl athlete, were specially awarded. The event was attended by Registrar Jaswinder Singh, Dean Professor Yogesh Kumar, faculty members of the university and school and all student participants.