All-India inter-agri universities games commence

Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, January 2

Four-day All India Inter-Agricultural Universities Games 2018-19 got off to a colourful start at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on Wednesday. Around 2,000 participants from 65 agricultural, horticultural and veterinary universities from across the country were participating in this sports extravaganza.

The games were declared open jointly by Dr VP Chahal, ADG, ICAR, Delh, and Dr BS Dhilon, Vice Chancellor, PAU. The players took oath to play in true spirit of sportsmanship.

Dr Chahal lauded excellent sports infrastructure facilities at the PAU. He shared the varsity’s extensive contribution to the country not just in terms of food security but also national and international sportspersons, the institution has produced.

“The PAU has a rare honour of producing three hockey Olympians while some of the most distinguished alumni have instituted various awards for outstanding sportspersons,” said Dr Chahal.

The chief guest called upon the students to enrich them culturally while competing in different sports disciplines. He urged upon them to use the event as a learning experience and imbibe skills of leadership, team spirit and self-confidence.

Dr Dhillon highlighted the important role of the ICAR in developing sports infrastructure at the PAU. He dwelled on the importance of sports in shaping the temperament and personality of youth. He also emphasised on student collaboration in sports across different universities to regain the lost glory in hockey.

Earlier, Dr Ravinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Director, Students Welfare, PAU, and organising secretary for the games, accorded warm welcome to Dr Chahal and other guests. She expressed gratitude towards the ICAR for entrusting the PAU with the responsibility of hosting this mega event after a gap of 12 years.

The main feature of the opening ceremony was bhangra performed by the PAU students. Competition (preliminary round) in different sports events, including athletics, handball, kabaddi and volleyball was held on the opening day.