Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 9: The Mangaluru Taluk Level Inter PU College Athletic Meet 2025-26 was organized by the department of School Education (PU), DK District, Mangaluru in association with St Agnes PU College, Bendore, Mangaluru at Mangala Stadium, Mangaluru. The meet brought together athletes from various pre-university colleges across the taluk, promoting the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork and perseverance.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with the guard of honour to welcome the dignitaries. This was followed by an impressive march past by contingents from various colleges showcasing discipline & co-ordination. The flag hoisting was done by the chief guest, Naveen Shetty, president, DK District Basketball Association and Sr Dr Maria Roopa, joint secretary, St Agnes Institutions.
The event began with a prayer song, invoking God's blessings for the success of the meet. The gathering was warmly welcomed by Likitha, lecturer in home science followed by the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Athletes of St Agnes PU College Michelle, Thanushree, Drithi, Ananya, Niharika and Mithali carried the torch, representing determination and perseverance which added grandeur to the event. The oath-taking ceremony was led by Michelle, state level wrestler and a proud student of St Agnes PU College pledging fairness and sportsmanship.
The releasing of colourful balloons by all the dignitaries’ symbolized joy, unity & the true spirit of sports. In his inaugural address, Naveen Shetty highlighted that in sports, there exists happiness, anger, competition and rivalry, yet it remains the one sphere that does not discriminate between caste or creed. He emphasized that sports is a way of life and encouraged students to spend each day at least one hour engaging in sports and advised them to eat healthy, stay healthy, think healthy and to keep away from drugs and excessive use of social media.
Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC, in her inspiring address spoke about the power of discipline & the joy of healthy living that sports instil. She emphasized that engaging in sports play a vital role in shaping an individual's personality, teaching lessons of teamwork, perseverance, resilience, courage, unity & strength. She reminded the students that participation itself is a great honour and that every athlete discovers their true potential through such opportunities.
In her presidential address, Sr Norine D’Souza, principal, St Agnes PU College congratulated the winners and commended the organising committee for their dedicated efforts. She highlighted that the possibilities cease to exist the moment we say no. there is no harm in trying every attempt, whether crowned with success or touched by failure becomes an experience that shapes who we are.
The winners were felicitated for their outstanding achievements and performances in various track and field events.
The individual championship in the boys’ category was won by Ayush Pranjal and in girl’s category Nidheeksha Naik of Canara PU College, displaying remarkable skill and consistency. Canara PU College also secured the runners-up trophy in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, reflecting their strong performance and team spirit throughout the meet.
The highlight of the event was the moment when St Aloysius PU College lifted the overall championship trophy in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, marking a fitting conclusion to a day of spirited competition and outstanding athletic achievement.
The event was compered by Shailaja, head of the department of Kannada and Joel Fernandes, lecturer in physics while Dr Tressie Menezes, librarian and Vijayalakshmi, lecturer in physics proposed the vote of thanks. Ramya, head of the department of mathematics welcomed the gathering.
Sr Norine D’Souza, principal, Sr Janet Sequeira, vice principal, St Agnes PU College, Premnath Shetty, sports coordinator, PU Education, DK District, Subraya Kamath, sports coordinator, Mangaluru Taluk, Shabnam, PTA vice president, St Agnes PU College, Jayashree, PE, St Agnes PU College were the other dignitaries on the dais.
The taluk level athletic meet concluded with the lowering of the flag, while the National Anthem filled the air with pride and patriotism.