The 19th All India Inter Agricultural Universities Games and Sports Meet 2018- 19, kicked off to an enthusiastic start at the University grounds today. With more than 2500 athletes representing 65 agricultural, horticultural and veterinary universities across the country, the inaugural ceremony of the four day event began with Chief Guest of the day, Dr VP Chahal, ADG, ICAR, New Delhi inspecting and taking salute at the participants’ March Past followed by the oath taking ceremony. While lauding the University’s excellent sports infrastructure, Dr Chahal shared its extensive contribution to the country not just in terms of food security but the number of national and international sportsmen the institution has shaped for the country.

“PAU has the rare honour of producing three hockey Olympians while some of the most distinguished alumni have instituted various awards for outstanding sportspersons”, he remarked. Dr Chahal called upon the participating teams to enrich them culturally while competing in various events. He urged them to use the event as a great learning experience and imbibe skills of leadership, team spirit and self confidence. Dr Chahal later declared the Meet open and together with PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr B.S. Dhillon and other PAU officials released balloons at the occasion.

In his presidential remarks, Vice Chancellor, Dr Dhillon highlighted the important role of ICAR in developing sports infrastructure at PAU and invited feedback regarding the same. He dwelled on the importance of sports in shaping the temperament and personality of youth. Citing the example of a small village’s (near Jalandhar) contribution of 15 sportsmen in the national sports teams of Canada, Kenya, India and Australia, Dr Dhillon exhorted the participants to become role models for inspiring the youth of the country towards sports and channelizing societal health. While discussing the importance of developing the game of hockey to earlier glorious levels attained by Punjab, Dr Dhillon emphasized on student collaboration in sports across various universities.

Earlier, Dr Ravinder Dhaliwal, Director Students Welfare and Organizing Secretary of the meet, welcomed the Chief Guest, participating teams and other guests from the University. She expressed gratitude to the ICAR for entrusting PAU with the responsibility of hosting the mega event after a period of 12 years. Dr Dhaliwal informed that more than 100 technical officers will be responsible for the smooth conduct of the mega event. While elaborating PAU’s outstanding contributions to the cause of sports, Dr Dhaliwal invited the participants to a spectacular show of unity through competitions of mind, body and will.

Later the audience was enthralled by a brilliant performance of bhangra by the students of PAU.

Source: http://www.pau.edu/