Srinagar, Oct 30: The Kashmir University (KU) Monday inaugurated the much-anticipated North Zone Inter University Volleyball (Women) Tournament 2023-24 here in the main campus, bringing together forty-six (46) universities from across North India.
Starting from October 30 to November 2, this sporting event is being organised by the varsity’s Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES) under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, and promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and teamwork and the whole university is eager to host this extravaganza.
Vice Chancellor, KU, Prof Nilofer Khan; Dean, College Development Council, KU, Prof Khursheed Ahmad Butt; Dean Research, KU, Prof Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo; Registrar, KU, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir; Controller, Examinations, KU, Dr Majid Zaman Baba and Coordinator, DPES, Dr Nadeem Ahmad Dar besides other university officials, deans, directors, heads of various departments, scholars and students from the main and satellite campuses and members from the sponsoring agencies were present on the occasion.
Expressing her excitement on hosting this significant sporting event at KU grounds, Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan said it is overwhelming to witness the participation of young girls from across various regions of North India.
Prof Khan thanked the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for giving the varsity an opportunity to organise this tournament.
“It is not an easy job. It takes time and toll to lead successful efforts to fruition,” she said.
Prof Khan further said that youth are the backbone and the ambassadors of the future of the nation.
“When you go back, besides the beauty of Kashmir, you will talk about the culture, cuisine and the hospitality of the valley,” she added.
Prof Nilofer Khan further said that winning and losing is part of the game and that participation in itself is a big achievement.
“To me, you are all winners for you have made it to the event and that is the spirit of real sportsmanship and camaraderie,” she reiterated.
She appreciated and acknowledged the efforts of the DPES and university administration for ensuring such a huge participation and assured of organising more such events for both boys and girls in future as well.
Dean, College Development Council, KU, Prof Khursheed Ahmad Butt termed the tournament equally important for the university as it is for the participants.
He said, “The participants are the real heroes of any sporting event and universities and academic institutions should focus more on extra-curriculum beside academics and research for the overall development of the youth.”
Registrar, KU, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir said that KU is always at the forefront to encourage the participation of girls in extra-curricular activities and it is with that spirit the varsity is organising the event.
“We witnessed a huge response in terms of teams wishing to take part in the tournament but due to a fixed deadline, we could not accommodate them all,” he said, adding that the university has taken due care vis-à-vis food, lodging and logistics to ensure the participants have a healthy sporting experience and that they leave with cherished memories.
Earlier, while welcoming the dignitaries and the participating teams, Coordinator, Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (DPES), Dr Nadeem Ahmad Dar said that he was overwhelmed by the huge participation as witnessed during the inaugural session while reiterating the DPES’ commitment to make the event a grand success.
The ceremony also witnessed captivating cultural performances by the students of the Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal.
The event culminated with KU VC, Prof Nilofer Khan, along with other dignitaries, taking to the stage to salute and cheer on the march past conducted by the participating teams, led by their respective captains, in a gesture to motivate and boost their morale.
Gymnasium Coach, DPES, KU conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session.
