Srinagar, Aug 21: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, graced the inaugural day of the Annual Inter-College Athletic Meet 2025 at the University of Kashmir (KU) on Thursday, celebrating the record participation of over 500 athletes from 25 affiliated colleges, including KU’s postgraduate contingent.
The three-day event, organised by the Directorate of Physical Education & Sports (DPES), KU, features more than 20 track and field events across Men’s and Women’s divisions.
Attending the medal ceremony and distributing prizes among winners, Smt Khadse lauded the enthusiastic participation of students, particularly young women athletes.
“The energy and determination of youth in Kashmir is inspiring,” Ms. Khadse said. “Active involvement in sports will not only bring laurels at national and international levels but also strengthen India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.”
Earlier, KU Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan inaugurated the championship as Chief Guest, congratulating the contingents and reaffirming the University’s commitment to developing modern sports infrastructure for budding athletes.
“Sports is central to our vision,” Prof. Khan said. “We aim to create platforms that nurture talent and prepare our students to excel at local, national and global levels.”
Also present at the ceremony were Registrar KU Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Chief Proctor Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan, and Special Secretary to VC Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Zarri.
Dr. Surjeet Singh, Coordinator DPES KU, welcomed the guests and briefed them on the events, while KU Football Coach Sajid Yousuf Dar conducted proceedings. Assistant Director DPES KU, Tausif Bhat, delivered the formal vote of thanks.
The inaugural also included an oath-taking ceremony, where athletes pledged their commitment to drug-free sports.
