Mangaluru: The state level Pre-University College Sports Meet 2015-16 was inaugurated by B Ramanath Rai, Minister of Forest, Environment and Ecology, at the Mangala Stadium, here on 3 December.
The three day sports meet is jointly organised by the Government of Karnataka, the Department of Pre-University Education Mangaluru, Buntarayane Nadavara Maathr Sangh (R.) and Ramakrishna PU College.
A colourful procession was held from Canara College to Mangala Stadium. Various cultural troupes participated in this procession along with international and national level sports achievers and various competing contingents from all over the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramanath Rai said that Dakshina Kannada had the capacity to hold many sports meets. “Sports not only give us health benefits, but helps us in developing healthy relationships too,” he said, addiung, “Our district has produced many state and national level athletes.”
Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fisheries, Abhayachandra Jain said that the district had hosted the Federation cup recently which has made a name for the district at the national level. “Physical directors have a big responsibility to build an athlete so that he reaches the national level,” he said, stressing on the need of good physical directors in the state.
Asha Thimmappa Gowda, President of ZP said that she was “proud” that the district was hosting a state level sports meet. “Sports helps the society to stay healthy,” she added.
MLA JR Lobo congratulated Buntarayane Sangha for bringing the sports meet to the district and said that they have set a “good example” for others. “Only books are not important; along with them, extracurricular activities are important too. If students cannot participate, they should at least build the habit of watching sports,” said Lobo.
The inauguration function was followed by a cultural programme.
Mangala stadium is well known for the many sports meets that it has held. It has a seating capacity of 20,000. The track was upgraded to synthetic track in 2013. During the inauguration function, some officials were found to use the track as seating space. They immediately vacated the track once they realised it.
About 2500 students from 31 districts are expected to participate in the sport meet. The closing ceremony will be held on 6 December.
Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, Corporator Ashok Kumar and other dignitaries were also present.
