Mysuru:  A two-day Annual Sports Meet for journalists, organised under the aegis of Mysuru District Journalists Association  (MDJA), began at University of Mysore (UoM) Football Ground (Maharaja’s College Ground) here this morning.

National shooter Rakshith Shastry and National women’s volleyball player Kumari Honey jointly inaugurated the Meet by striking a cricket ball with a bat.

Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, UoM Physical Education Department Director Dr. P. Krishnaiah said that sports plays a key role in maintaining one’s mental and physical fitness.

Explaining the role of sports in maintaining metal balance and physical fitness, he said that it was vital for journalists to take part in sporting events, as it involves physical exercise, which is very important for maintaining good health.

Recalling the days when journalists had to do a lot of physical running in the absence of technology to gather news, Dr. Krishnaiah said, now that everyone can get the latest information and updates on their finger tips, thanks to the rapid advancement of science and technology, taking part in Meets like these will enable the journalists to relax for a while and thus relieve themselves from mental stress.

He wished the scribes all success in the Meet. T-shirts were distributed to members of the Association on the occasion.

MDJA President C.K. Mahendra, General Secretary K.J. Lokesh Babu and others were present during the inauguration.

Today, cricket matches involving five teams were played. While Avinash headed one of the teams Ravi Pandavapura, C. Dinesh, Chandrashekar and R. Krishna captained the four other teams.

Tomorrow, the concluding day, athletics and other team events will take place.