Athletes from 128 colleges take part in the four-day event

Mysore/Mysuru: In the recent past, sportspersons have been achieving great heights with initiatives such as Khelo India among others being introduced in the country, said former International athlete and Arjuna Awardee Ashwini Nachappa, here this morning.

Speaking after inaugurating the four-day 25th Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Inter-Collegiate State-level Athletic Meet 2023-24 for men and women, organised by VTU Regional Centre, Mysuru, at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, she urged the students not to get diverted from their focus in both sports and education which would affect their growth in their fields of interest.

Stating that sports had grown to become a huge industry, Ashwini Nachappa called upon the students not to forget friendship and integrity and also to respect their coaches and parents during their journey towards success.

VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar, Finance Officer M.A. Sapna, VTU Registrar (Evaluation) Prof. T.N. Sreenivasa, Registrar Prof. B.E. Rangaswamy, Department of Physical Education Director Dr. P.V. Kadagadkai, Executive Council Members G. Rakesh, Dr. M.S. Shivakumar, Dr. Krishnegowda and Dr. Dilip Kumar, VTU Mysuru Regional Director and Organising Chairman Dr. T.P. Renuka Murthy, Organising Secretaries Dr. M.P. Prasanna Kumar and G.L. Raghunath and others were present.

Earlier, Ashwini Nachappa was accorded a grand welcome and taken to the venue in an open jeep. On her arrival, she also hoisted the flag of VTU Sports Meet before inaugurating the event by releasing the balloons.