M'lore: Former Lanka Player Duleep Mendis graces ‘Yendurance Zone’ Opening
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS/VA)
Mangalore, Feb 19: Duleep Mendis, former captain of Sri Lanka Cricket team and former CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of newly constructed Indoor Sports Complex ‘Yendurance Zone’ at Yenepoya University Campus, Deralakatte here on Saturday February 19.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that he wished to see India and Sri Lanka as vying teams in the finals of World Cup-2011.
Primarily a specialist batsman whose best period as a player came during 1982 to 1985 further said that in cricket luck plays greater role most of the times. Though the player is considered best most of the times he might fail to perform well at times. The world cup 1996 was won by Sri Lanka under the captainship of Arjun Ranathunga, but almost the same team could not even enter second round during World Cup in 1999, he explained. Mendis lauded the sports complex at the Yenepoya University.
Seemanth Kumar Singh, commissioner of Police, was the guest of honour. He said that the newly built indoor sports complex is a beautiful one available in the city and said it’s a gift of Yenepoya institution to sportsmen.
Prominent sports persona and current National Badminton champion Aravind Bhat added colour to the programme. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, chancellor, Yenepoya University presided. In his presidential address he called upon the students to utilize the available facility to maximize potential in sports. He added the institution has the most experienced football and basketball coaches.
Dr Akthar Hussain, secretary, Islamic Academy of Education welcomed the gathering and Yenepoya Farhad delivered the vote of thanks. Cultural programmes were also held on the occasion.
About Yendurance Zone
It is the newest addition on the 32 acre university campus. Yendurance Zone covering an area of 34000 square feet, with a 100 ft span roof without a truss, has a 2500 seating capacity. With Taraflex, sports flooring (approved by the World Badminton & Basketball Federation), the convertible auditorium is equipped with audio equipment and lighting for all arts and cultural events.
There is well equipped 2500 sft gymnasium with Precor Brand gym equipment and the 130 seater cinema theatre with digital projection and sound systems, in the basement will provide additional health and vocational avenues for the staff and students of the university.
The stadium has a basketball court, 3 badminton courts, table tennis, volley ball and squash court, with the provision to have 3 sporting events take place simultaneously during a sporting event. There are also other recreational facilities/ casual sports including chess, carom, football, darts etc.