Anurag Thakur, The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Sports & Youth Affairs honoured the players (included 25 International players, position holders of Khelo India University Games, All India Inter-University Championships and Khelo India Youth Games) of Guru Nanak Dev University with cash prizes worth more than 2.00 crore and trophies to overall best performing colleges who brought laurels to the University in various sports disciplines at the International, Khelo India and All India Inter-Varsity levels during its 52nd Annual Sports Prize Distribution Function held in Auditorium of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan of the University of Guru Nanak Dev University.
Chief guest of the day, Sh. Anurag Thakur said that Guru Nanak Dev University’s reputation precedes itself and it is one of the major sporting universities in the nation. When we talk about developing a sporting culture, it is such universities that lay the groundwork for that to happen.
The United States of America which has won the most Olympic medals in the history of the games has a very prominent university sporting culture and Guru Nanak Dev University’s reputation speaks for itself as they have won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA) Trophy for record 23 times.
Not only MAKA trophies, it has also produced 35 Arjuna, 2 Dronacharya and 6 Padma Shri Awardees.We have spent close to INR 2758 crores on developing sporting infrastructure wherein we have sanctioned 300 projects across the nation.
He said that We are increasing our focus on Women Athletes we are conducting dedicated Khelo India Women’s Leagues across nine disciplines – hockey, archery, weightlifting, cycling, boxing, swimming, wrestling, volleyball & Judo – More than 23,000 women athletes will participate in these competitions.
While Appreciating for the work done by Guru Nanak Dev University and their colleges in the field of sports, Shri Thakur said that Guru Nanak Dev University finished a very creditable 4th in the Khelo India University Games with 42 medals including 14 gold medals.
He said that Our Government’s approach is citizen-centric and we want to bring about ease of living in the lives of all citizens. He said that Sporting culture needs to develop across the nation and Government is
While sharing the memories of the student life of Guru Nanak Dev University, he said that it is his responsibility to provide required sports facilities and projects. He felt proud that he has been a student of that university which today has a name in many fields other than sports in the country and abroad.
He said that the country can develop and prosper with sports culture and at the individual, family, society amd corporate level, everyone should also contribute to promote sports culture.While welcoming the chief guest and other guests Vice- Chancellor Prof. Jaspal Singh Sandhu said that this University require a lot of projects to strengthen the sprots infrasturucture.
Prof. Sandhu said that the University needs grants and projects regarding Astroturf replacement, Synthetic track establishment, Swimming Pool upgradation and other facilities. He also thanked Sh. Anurag Thakur for his visit to the university.
Earlier, Dr. Karanjeet Singh Kahlon, Registrar welcomed the guests and Dr. Kanwar Mandeep Singh, Incharge Department of Physical Education (A.T.), Office of Director Sports presented a report on sports achievements. Prof. Sarabjot Singh Behl, Dean Academic Affairs presented vote of thanks.
Prof. Anish Dua, Dean Students Welfare conducted the proceedings of this function. On this occasion, GNDU Sports Committee (Men), GNDU Sports Committee (Women), Principals and HODs of colleges who contributed maximum in University Sports & other officials and coaches were also present.
Various sports personals who got positions and participated in the Olympic Games, World Cups / World Championships / Asian Games / Commonwealth Games, World University Games / Championship / Asian Championship / Asia Cup / Commonwealth Championship / Other International, Championship / SAF Games or any other recognized championship, All India Inter-University / Khelo India University Games / Khelo India Youth Games / other recognized tournaments / championships at University level were awarded with cash prizes on this occasion.
In Men section Khalsa College lifted the Guru Nanak Dev University Inter-College 'A' Division Overall General Championship Trophy 2021-22 (Men) with 12800 points while Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar remained runners-up with 10700 points and GNDU Campus, Amritsar finished third with 2700 points.
In Men category in 'B' Division S.S.M. College, Dinanagar was Winner with 2300 points and GNPKS, Nadala and SBDS Khalsa College, Domeli were Joint Runners-up with 700-700 points.
Similarly, in Women section, B.B.K.D.A.V. College, Amritsar lifted the Guru Nanak Dev University Inter-College 'A' Division Overall General Championship Trophy 2021-22 with 8300 points while H.M.V. College, Jalandhar remained runners-up with 7600 points and Khalsa College, Amritsar finished third with 4500 points. In 'B' Division Hindu College, Amritsar was Winner with 3500 points and D.A.V. College, Amritsar and Doaba College, Jalandhar were jointly Runners-up with 1600-1600 points in women category.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Yadgari Trophy for the Year 2021-22 was won by Khalsa College, Amritsar. On this occasion, the principals, HoDs of Physical Education and Sports personalities/coaches were also honored by the chief guest. On this occasion, The minister also Inaugurated Sports Hostels under “Khelo India” scheme and visited to Sports Facilities in the University campus.