Senior Citizen Premier League-2026
Mysuru: Over 150 senior citizens came together with energy and enthusiasm, proving that agility, competitive spirit and joy have no age limits.
Organised by Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, under the banner of the Senior Citizen Premier League-2026, the event turned the Dee Sports arena into a vibrant celebration of health, nostalgia and community bonding, perfectly aligning with the spirit of National Sports Day and World Senior Citizens Day.
Moving away from the quiet routine of retirement, the city’s golden generation took to the field with remarkable enthusiasm. The air was filled with cheers and laughter as participants competed across a lineup of light-hearted yet spirited recreational games, including Passing the Ball, the classic Lemon & Spoon race, Penalty Football Kicks, Wicket Bowling and the forever-popular Musical Chairs.
Underscoring the physical benefits of remaining active, Dr. Ajay Hegde, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, noted that movement remains the best medicine for long-term mobility. “Staying physically active is the cornerstone of maintaining good bone density, muscle strength and joint health as we age. Getting older should never be a reason to stop moving. Seniors can easily pick activities tailored to their personal comfort levels. Simple habits like daily walks, light stretching, balance exercises and fun recreational games help seniors preserve their independence and mobility. Training smart is the key to maintaining fitness while remaining injury-free. Seeing our participants out here on the field, laughing and playing together, is a fantastic reminder of what healthy ageing looks like,” he said.
Focusing on vital wellness, Dr. Upendra Shenoy, Senior Consultant – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery and Dr. C.B. Keshavamurthy, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, delivered a joint message emphasising cardiovascular health and manageable fitness routines.
Highlighting the vision behind hosting the league, B.J. Sandeep Patel, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, shared the hospital’s deep commitment to preventive care and active ageing.
The event was also attended by Dr. Usha Hegde, endurance athlete and mountaineer, along with doctors and healthcare professionals from Manipal Hospital, Mysuru, who came together to encourage the spirit of active ageing, fitness and community participation.
Voices from the Field: Participants Speak
The true highlight of the event remained the beaming smiles of the participants, who left the venue feeling rejuvenated and inspired to make sports a regular part of their daily lives.
Ramegowda, 66, one of the participants, said: “I really enjoyed taking part in games. We usually think sports is for younger people, but this event showed us that we can also participate and have fun. It has encouraged me to stay active and take part in more physical activities.”
Nagalambika, 62, another participant noted, “It was a very nice experience. Everyone was enthusiastic and supportive. I felt very happy to participate and it reminded me that we should not stop being active because of our age. I would definitely like to continue being active and participate in such activities.”
The Senior Citizen Premier League-2026 was one-of-a-kind initiative that brought senior citizens together through sport, camaraderie and community spirit. More than just a sporting event, it celebrated active ageing and reinforced the importance of staying physically active, socially connected and engaged at every stage of life.
This post was published on September 15, 2026 7:30 pm