Srinagar, August 29: The University of Kashmir (KU) joined the nationwide celebrations of the 15th National Sports Day with a three-day sporting extravaganza, organised by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPE&S) from August 27 to 29.
The celebrations commemorated the 121st birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand and were held in pursuance of the clarion call of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Held under the national theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat”, the celebrations featured a range of sporting, educational and awareness activities. Students from various Departments of the University participated enthusiastically in the events.
While congratulating the Directorate and the participants on this occassion Vice Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message said that National Sports Day is an important occasion to recognise the transformative role of sports in shaping a healthy, disciplined and confident generation. She emphasised that participation in sports goes beyond physical fitness, inculcating values of teamwork, perseverance, discipline and sportsmanship among young people.
” Universities have an important role in nurturing sporting talent and creating greater opportunities for students to participate in sports. I hope that such initiatives would further strengthen the culture of sports at the University and inspire more young people to pursue sporting activities with dedication and enthusiasm,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
The celebrations began on August 27 with students joining the Khelo India Samvaad through video conference, during which Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with students, athletes and sports enthusiasts across the country. The interaction emphasised the need to foster a strong sporting culture and encourage greater participation of youth in sports.
On August 28, students participated in hockey, badminton, cricket, table tennis and volleyball activities. The day’s sporting events were followed by a pledge to uphold sports integrity and promote clean, fair and dope-free sports.
The celebrations culminated on August 29 with a sports quiz competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from students of different Departments. The quiz tested their knowledge of sports, sporting personalities, major sporting events and India’s rich sporting heritage.
Registrar, KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, highlighted the role of the younger generation in strengthening India’s position as a global sporting powerhouse. “I encourage our students to pursue sports with dedication and discipline and continue participating in sporting activities throughout the year,” he said.
Director DPE&S KU Prof. Raies Ahmad, delivered a presentation titled “Olympic Journey: From 776 BC to 1896 AD”, tracing the evolution of the Olympic Games from ancient Greece to the revival of the modern Games in Athens in 1896.
Prof. Raies also spoke about Major Dhyan Chand’s remarkable contribution to Indian hockey and his role in inspiring generations of sportspersons. He also highlighted India’s preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening the country’s global sporting stature.
A prize distribution ceremony was subsequently held at the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports. Mementos were presented to the winners of the sports quiz, while the ground staff were also felicitated by Prof. Raies Ahmad.
The event was coordinated by In-Charge M.P.Ed Programme, Dr. Basharat Ali, with assistance from Lady Sports Assistant Surjeet Kour. The proceedings of the prize distribution ceremony were conducted by Shabista, a third-semester student, while Assistant Professor Dr. Iqbal Kabir delivered the formal vote of thanks.
