Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 12: The valedictory ceremony of All India Inter-University Kho-Kho championship was held at Sri Vibudhesha Theertha Stadium of Poorna Prajna College Udupi, on April 12. Mangaluru University emerged as champions by defeating Mumbai University and claimed the Championship title.
Sri Sri Eshapriya Theertha Swamiji, junior pontiff of Adamaru Math and president, USAMEC Bengaluru, addressed the gathering during the valedictory ceremony and honoured the Mangaluru University team with the championship trophy. Swamiji said, “Congratulations to everyone! Even those who played from afar deserve appreciation. May your efforts continue and bring victories across the country. Events like these are wonderfully organised by Mangalore University. It is a great example of unity. Kho-Kho is a proud sport that originated in our country. Let it make its way to the Olympics. Let the youth participate and shine. When students get involved in sports, they stay away from bad habits.”
Professor P L Dharma, vice-chancellor, Mangalore University, Konaje, said, “Mangalore University has brought pride by securing this victory. Nowadays, we rarely find such encouraging teachers in universities. Youth should aim to get employed, become educators, and contribute positively to society. Without brotherhood and unity, one cannot become a truly good person.”
Yashpal Suvarna, MLA, Udupi constituency, said, “I congratulate the winners of the Kho-Kho tournament. It’s a proud moment that this victory came on Hanuman Jayanti. Swamiji’s vision has come to life through this event.”
Mangaluru University emerged as champions, University of Mumbai emerged as runner-up and the second runner-up was shared by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Walatwada University Sambajiagal Maharastra and Swami Ramananda Theertha Marathwada University Maharashtra.
Nikil B from Mangalore University won the best defender award, Deekshith from Mangaluru University won the best chester award and Akash Kadam from Mumbai University won the best all-rounder award.
Dr G S Chandrashekar, secretary of the college administrative board welcomed the gathering.
The event saw the presence of Prakash Holla, treasurer of the Poorna Prajna College Management Board, former minister Jayaprakash Hegde, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, Congress leader Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty, principal, Poorna Prajna College Dr Ramu L, convener, AIIU Men’s Kho-Kho Championship and physical education director PPC Sukumar, organising secretary, AIIU Men’s Kho-Kho Championship 2024-25, Dr Gerald Santhosh D’Souza, treasurer, Poorna Prajna College managing committee, Udupi CA Ganesh Hebbar, administrative officer USAMEC. Udupi, Dr Shridhar Rao, secretary USAMEC, Bengaluru, Dr A P Bhat and others.