Environmental science department shines at HP University sports meet

The department of environmental science of Himachal Pradesh University emerged as the overall winner in Annual Sports Meet-2025, jointly hosted by the department of environmental science and the department of forensic science, here on Thursday.

The sports meet kicked off with the National Anthem.

Dr Mahender Singh Thakur, the Chairman of both departments, as the chief guest at the event, officially inaugurated the event.

In his address, Dr Thakur encouraged students to engage in healthy competition and uphold the true essence of sportsmanship.

A wide range of events were held throughout the day — including track races (100-m, 200-m and relay); team sports like volleyball, kabaddi, cricket, kho-kho and tug-of-war; and indoor games such as chess, carrom, table tennis and badminton.

Rishita Thakur of the department of forensic science claimed gold in both the 100-m and 200-m girls’ races, with Sakshi securing silver in both races.

In the boys’ track events, Piyush of the department of forensic science clinched victory in both races, while Ojas of the department of environmental science stood second.

The girls’ relay race was won by the environmental science department team.

In the three-legged race event, department of environmental science’s Sunaina and Priya stood first, while Ashima and Poonam of the department of forensic science earned recognition for their effort and teamwork.

The environmental science department dominated in kabaddi (girls’), cricket, volleyball and tug-of-war (boys’).

Standout players included Aanchal, Pallavi, Neha, Sushila, Rishita, Jagriti, Priya and Sanya in kabaddi; and Ojas, Vishal, Shubham Chauhan, Ashish, Prashant, Chandresh, Mukul and Shubham Sharma in other games.

The forensic science department celebrated victories as well, clinching titles in girls’ kho-kho and tug-of-war events, along with strong showings in indoor games.

Aanchal and Ansheen won the carrom competition, while Rishika (forensic science) and Muskan (environmental science) shared top honours in chess (girls’).

Ashish (environmental science) won the chess (boys’) event. In table tennis, Ojas (environmental science) claimed the first place, while Ritika (forensic science) secured the second position.

A special highlight was the 100-m race for faculty members, where Dr Pradeep Kumar Bhardwaj emerged victorious, followed by Dr Manish Kumar Sharma.

The day concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, in which winners were honoured for their achievements and sportsmanship.