Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)
Udupi, Nov 24: A four-day all India inter university men’s kabaddi tournament at Poornaprajna College sport grounds was set in motion on November 23 here. The tournament is being held under the aegis of Mangalore University physical education department, Poornaprajna College and post graduate study center, Udupi.
Udupi Adamaru Math educational institute Bengaluru president Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji lighted the lamp and inaugurated the 16 tourneys in which four leading groups from four zones in the country will be taking part.
“Physical health is necessary for mental health. Sports activities such as kabaddi are helpful for it. Poornaprajna college is supporting such sports”, he said.
Mangalore University vice chancellor, Prof Jayaraj Amin who inaugurated the programme said that sports have stood above the framework of religion, caste and beliefs. Kabaddi among them consists of attack and defence. It requires alert eyes, physical fitness and ability to decide within moments. May the students who have arrived from four directions of the country play with sports mentality”, he said.
Specially invited Rakesh Kumar, recipient of Arjun award for kabaddi who had arrived from New Delhi to participate was felicitated on the occasion. Rakesh Kumar, player in the Indian team, who had won gold medal in world kabaddi championships reciprocating to the felicitations said that there are no short cuts for success in sports. “A sports person will be successful only by hard work”, he said.
Guests of honor, Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Udayakumar Shetty Muniyalu, championship organizing secretary and Mangalore University physical education department director Dr Gerald Santhosh D’ Souza addressed the gathering.
College principal Dr Ramu, organizing committee convener and Poornaprajna college physical education director Sukumar, Adamaru Math educational institute administrative officer Dr A P Bhat, Mangalore University physical education department’s Dr Kishore C K and others were present.
Poornaprajna College management committee honorary secretary Dr G S Chandrashekar welcomed the guests. Principal Dr Ramu proposed a vote of thanks. Prof Sandeep Shetty compered the programme.