9th inter-college sports meet begins at horticulture varsity
The three-day 9th Annual Inter-College Sports and Athletic Meet commenced on Friday at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni.
Aimed at promoting holistic development and physical fitness among students, the event saw enthusiastic participation from the university’s four constituent colleges: Colleges of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni (main campus) and Colleges of Horticulture and Forestry at Neri and Thunag.
The chief guest, Gaurav Singh, Superintendent of Police, Solan, emphasised the importance of extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded individuals and fostering qualities essential for personal and professional success.
Addressing the growing concern of drug abuse, Singh urged students to resist peer pressure and avoid harmful substances. Citing real-life examples, he highlighted the psychological, social and legal consequences of drug use. He encouraged students to remain vigilant, support each other and seek guidance from parents, teachers or law enforcement when needed. Participating in sports, he added, is a positive way to stay engaged and build a strong moral foundation. Earlier, Dr HP Sankhyan, Dean of Students’ Welfare, highlighted the value of sportsmanship and encouraged students to embrace the life lessons that come from athletic participation. He also spoke about the university’s efforts to promote engagement in extracurricular activities alongside academics.
Anjali Thakur, a fourth-year undergraduate student, administered the sportsmanship oath. The event kicked off with a march past and over 360 students are participating in a variety of events, including track and field competitions such as the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m, 5,000m and 10,000m races, along with relays (4x100m and 4x400m). Field events include shot put, javelin, discus throw, long jump, high jump and triple jump. Team sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, kabaddi, badminton, table tennis and chess will also be contested. Cumulative scores from all events will determine the overall championship winners.
