Sporting spirit matters most than winning or losing: PU Education Deputy Director M.P. Nagamma

Mysuru: Students should be given opportunities to showcase their talents not only in academics but also on the sports field, said Deputy Director of the Department of Pre-University Education (DDPUE), Mysuru, M.P. Nagamma.

She was speaking after inaugurating the District-level Yoga and Table Tennis Tournament organised at Sadvidya Education Institutions on Monday.

The tournament was jointly organised by the School Education Department (Pre-University Department), Sadvidya Education Institutions and Cauvery Charitable Trust. Students from various educational institutions across the district participated.

“Sports is not merely about winning. It teaches students to remain humble in victory, make another attempt without being discouraged by defeat, respect opponents and follow rules. These qualities are equally important in their future lives,” Nagamma said.

Appreciating the rich academic tradition of Sadvidya, she said that the institution’s achievement of securing State ranks in the 2026 II PUC Board Exam was a testimony to its academic quality and the hard work of its students.

Regular participation in sports helps improve physical health as well as mental concentration, confidence, discipline and leadership qualities. Every student possesses some form of talent and district-level tournaments such as these provide an excellent platform to identify and nurture such talent, she added.

Sports essential for a healthy life

Cauvery Charitable Trust President Prof. M.S.K. Narahari Babu said, a healthy mind can develop only in a healthy body and sports should have a permanent place in the lives of students.

“In today’s competitive world, students spend a considerable amount of time on studies and technology-based activities. It is therefore essential to allocate sufficient time for physical activities. Yoga helps maintain a balance between the body and mind, while sports such as Table Tennis improve agility, concentration, quick reflexes and decision-making skills,” he said.  

Equal importance to sports and education

Cauvery Charitable Trust Secretary M.D. Gopinath said, “Students’ talent cannot be measured merely on the basis of marks. While some excel in academics, others demonstrate their abilities in sports, music, art, cultural activities and several other fields. It is the responsibility of educational institutions to provide every student with an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

15 colleges participate in Yoga competition

Students from a total of 15 colleges took part in the Yoga competition. They performed various asanas in a disciplined manner and demonstrated their physical ability concentration and balance in four categories — Traditional, Artistic Solo, Artistic Pair and Rhythmic Pair.

In the Traditional Yoga Asana category, Rajath Giri (Marimallappa PU College) emerged winner in the boys’ section while Briti Ashok (Pramati PU College) won in the girls’ section.

In the Artistic Solo category, Rajath Giri (Marimallappa) won in the boys’ section and S. Bhoomika (Sadvidya Semi-Residential) emerged winner in girls’ section.

In the Artistic Pair category, Gagan Gowda and Rudresh (Aradhana Innovative PU College) won in boys’ section, while M. Usha and Divya (Sheshadripuram PU College) emerged winners in the girls’ section.

In the Rhythmic Pair category, R.S. Shreesh and Raghuvamshi (Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala) won in boys’ section, while Ashmitha and Sinchana (Learners PU College) emerged winners in girls’ section.

Close competition in TT

In Table Tennis, seven colleges competed in the boys’ section and four in girls’ section.

In the boys’ section, BASE PU College emerged winners while Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala secured the runner-up position. In the girls’ section, SDM College emerged winners and BASE PU College finished as runners-up.

Winners to represent District at State-level

The winners of the tournament will represent Mysuru district at the forthcoming State-level contests.

The programme was attended by Sadvidya Semi-Residential PU College Principal Dr. G.R. Kavitha, Sadvidya Composite PU College, N.S. Road, Principal Y.R. Ramesh, PE Lecturers Jagannath and B.V. Krishna besides lecturers, staff members and students from various educational institutions.