Mysuru: The South Zone Inter-University Women’s City Tournament hosted by University of Mysore began in city this morning.

Meanwhile, the inaugural event was held on Wednesday evening at SDNR Wadiyar Stadium.  Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharanappa V. Halse inaugurated the cricket tournament.

Addressing the gathering Prof. Halse wished the best for players during the tournament.

“Previously, women participation in sporting activities was lesser compared to men. However, it is because of the women teachers and their encouragement that women started to take part in the various sports and as a result of which we find more and more women participating in various tournaments,”  he added.

Speaking on the occasion, University of Mysore Finance Officer S. Rekha said that the sports was always dominated by the male community adding not much opportunities are given to women when it comes to advertisements or sponsorships. 

Stating that women’s cricket had become popular in the recent years, Rekha said providing opportunities to women would help in creating more and more players like Smrithi Mandhana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Mithali Raj.

University of Mysore Syndicate Member Mahadeshu, Senior KAS Officer V.R. Shylaja, Department of Physical Education Deputy Director Dr. P. Krishnaiah and others were present.

A total of 43 university teams from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Puducherry and Karnataka comprising 700 women cricketers, along with their coaches and managers are participating in the tournament.