HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Feb 20: The 27th Annual Meet of Tezpur University (TU) began on Thursday with a vibrant opening ceremony.
Vice president, Sports Authority of Assam and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Lakhya Konwar graced the occasion as the chief guest.
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Also present was Jiten Borthakur, president of the Sonitpur District Sports Association and Member of the Assam Olympic Association.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Konwar highlighted the attitudinal difference between Indian and Western higher educational institutions with regard to sports.
He remarked that in the Indian educational system, academics are given top priority over sports, whereas in the West, sports are taken as seriously as academics.
He cited the example of many top-notch higher educational institutions in the US and Europe that regularly produce Olympians and Olympic medalists.
Prof R R Hoque, Dean, Academic Affairs, TU while delivering the inaugural address (in the absence of the Vice Chancellor), spoke of the virtues of sports.
He said that sports offer a holistic developmental experience, shaping not just our physical capabilities but also our character and inner strength.
He also lamented the fact that, due to a lack of facilities, much promising sporting talent is lost by academic institutions.
The inaugural day featured a colourful march past competition, showcasing the university’s diverse talent.
In the Men’s category, Patkai Men’s Hostel secured the top spot, followed by Nilachal Men’s Hostel as runners-up. Dhansiri Women’s Hostel emerged victorious in the Women’s March Past, with Jiri Women’s Hostel taking second position.
The ceremony also included the distribution of prizes to various hostels and individual winners of different sports, cultural, and literary competitions held earlier.
Over the next three days, the Annual Meet will host a diverse range of sports, cultural, and literary events, promising an exciting and engaging experience for the entire university community.
