Horticultural varsity sports meet inaugurated

The 16th Inter-Collegiate Games, Sports and Athletics Meet of the University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkot, commenced here on Thursday.

The four-day event, being hosted by the College of Horticulture Mysuru, which is affiliated to the parent varsity, is being held at the Oval Athletics Grounds of the University of Mysore.

The authorities said meet is serves to underline the importance of sports at a time when higher education is increasingly emphasising multi-disciplinary learning and overall well-being. The organisers said such events help students understand the importance of physical fitness and structured activity.

N.K. Lokanath, Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore, inaugurated the event titled Kreeda Utkarsha–2025, and said participation in sports was imperative not only for maintaining good health, but to promote clarity of vision and thought.

He underlined the importance of participation in sports irrespective of the outcome. M.B. Boralingaiah, IGP Southern Range, said sports should be an essential component for students to develop a healthy outlook and accept setbacks and victories alike.

C. Venkatesh from the Department of Physical Education, University of Mysore, said that in today’s competitive era, sports was crucial for mental and physical strength as well as emotional balance. Consistent effort is the foundation of success, and in sports, hard work always pays off, he added.

Chaitra, member of the Women’s Kho-Kho World Cup winning team, and others were present.

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