Pics by: Karthikraj Sasthana
Media Release
Udupi, Aug 29: In a grand celebration of National Sports Day, Sports Council MAHE, in collaboration with the Karnataka Athletic Association, Karnataka State Cricket Association, and TCA Udupi, came together to inaugurate two exciting initiatives - "A Refresher Clinic on Athletics & Cricket" and "Cric IQ."
The event witnessed esteemed dignitaries, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and officials, all gathered to mark the occasion and reinforce the significance of sports in our lives.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by notable personalities who have made significant contributions to the sports arena.
Dr. K Vidya Kumari, Deputy Commissioner of Udupi, opened the event and emphasised the importance of sports in fostering a healthy and active society. In her address, Dr K Vidya Kumari said, "Many great achievements have been created in the field of sports even after Maj Dhyan Chand. But his dedication and commitment is what makes him stand apart. Involvement in sports creates discipline, dedication, team spirit and makes life successful. Trainers should inculcate and teach these things to sportspersons during training sessions. I wish to see district, state, national and international level athletes and sportspersons emerging from Udupi district in the upcoming days."
Arun Bhardwaj, representing the BCCI, took the stage to shed light on the essential role that the "A Refresher Clinic on Athletics & Cricket" and "Cric IQ" initiatives play in honing the skills of athletes and enthusiasts. These programmes aim to provide participants with valuable insights, advanced training techniques, and strategic understanding of the sports, thereby elevating their performance to new heights.
Expressing gratitude towards the collaboration, Rajavelu, secretary of KAA/AFI and technical committee member, thanked the Sports Council MAHE for their dedication in promoting sports and creating platforms for athletes to excel. He emphasised the significance of such events in nurturing young talent and fostering a competitive spirit.
Gowtham Shetty, president of TCA Udupi, took the opportunity to discuss the pivotal role that Tennis Ball Cricket Association plays in the local cricket scene. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts between TCA Udupi and MAHE in uplifting the standards of cricket in the region.
Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of MAHE, Manipal, presided over the event and underscored the institution's commitment to supporting sports through state-of-the-art facilities at Marina. He thanked the Karnataka Athletic Association, Karnataka State Cricket Association, and TCA Udupi for joining hands with MAHE in celebrating National Sports Day and providing a platform to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship.
Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean of KMC Manipal, on occasion of National Sports day remembered Dhyan Chand and his achievements and he also mentioned Neeraj Chopra’s successes as a new dawn for Indian sports.
The mother of Akhilesh Kota, All India Inter University Athletic gold medallist was felicitated and provided financial aid for his future endeavours on this occasion.
The event concluded on a high note with a renewed commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent across the region. The collaborative efforts of Sports Council MAHE, Karnataka Athletic Association, Karnataka State Cricket Association, and TCA Udupi promise to create an enduring impact on the world of sports.
Dr Vinod Nayak, secretary, sports council MAHE extended a warm welcome to the attendees and delegates. Reena Sherin Parveen, advisor, Sports Council MAHE hosted the event and Monika Jadhav, secretary, Sports Council MAHE delivered the vote of thanks.