By Shekar Ajekar
Daijiworld Media Network—Moodbidri (RD/CN

Moodbidri, Dec 28: All India Inter-University Women’s Ball Badminton Championship, a four-day tournament, organized under the aegis of Mangalore University and Alva’s College at Vidhyagiri campus, was inaugurated on Tuesday December 27.

B S Meera, recipient of ‘Star of India’ in badminton, inaugurated the tournament here on Tuesday.

Badminton teams from over 70 universities across the nation participated in the march past amidst an attractive fireworks display accompanied by Tulunadu music.

Mangalore University vice chancellor Professor Shivashankaramurti, in his presidential address, said that India ranked 25th in the Asian Games 25 years ago, and it has now neared the 10th place.  He added that its a clear sign that India is making strides in sports. He also urged the athletes to better their performance in order to bring laurels to the country.

MLA K Abayachandra Jain, Karnataka Ball Badminton Association secretary Mohammed Eliyas, and retired physical education director Mohandas Shanbagh were the chief guests on the occasion.

The state’s former minister K Amarnath Shetty, Alva’s Education Foundation chairman Dr M Mohan Alva, and Mangalore University physical education director Dr H Nagalingappa were present on the dais.

Alva’s Education Foundation administrator Smita Aithal welcomed the gathering.  Dr H Nagalingappa proposed the vote of thanks and Joseph M S compered the programme.