All India Inter-University Powerlifting Championship concludes at KU

Srinagar, Apr 7: In a power-packed celebration of raw strength, endurance, and national camaraderie, the University of Kashmir (KU) brought down the curtain on the All India Inter-University Powerlifting Championship (Men & Women), marking a monumental milestone in J&K’s sporting journey.

Organised over four action-packed days by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, KU, in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the event, as per a press statement issued on Monday, saw enthusiastic participation from 160 universities and more than 1000 athletes from across the country.

This mega sporting spectacle aimed to provide a competitive and spirited arena for university-level powerlifters, setting the stage for the upcoming World University Games later this year. The championship not only celebrated strength and stamina but also symbolised national unity through sports.

The glittering valedictory function, held at the university campus, was presided over by Vice Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofar Khan, who expressed immense pride in the university’s role as a pioneer in hosting a national-level sports event of this scale in the Union Territory.

“This event has etched the University of Kashmir into the annals of national sports history. The passion and perseverance displayed by athletes from every corner of India show how sports continue to unify and empower youth,” Prof. Khan said.

She also praised the Directorate for elevating the university’s sports profile and hosted a special dinner to honour the officials, technical staff, and volunteers whose efforts made the championship a grand success.

Prof. Shareef-u-Din Pirzada, Dean Academic Affairs, KU, emphasised the university’s commitment to integrating sports within the academic framework as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including offering academic credits for sports participation—an initiative poised to boost the sports economy in J&K.

Prof. Khursheed Ahmad Butt, Dean of the College Development Council, KU, highlighted the university's role in positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a “nursery for sporting talent”, while Registrar KU Prof. Naseer Iqbal acknowledged the power of such events in harnessing student energy for national development.

Dr Surjeet Singh, Organising Secretary of the championship, presented a comprehensive report on the event’s milestones, thanking all participating universities, J&K Police, athletes, and supporting teams for their dedication and collaboration.

In the men’s category, Guru Kashi University secured the overall championship, with Sunrise University, Hyderabad, finishing as runners-up. In the women’s category, CTU Ludhiana emerged victorious, followed by the the University of Calicut as runners-up. Trophies and mementos were awarded by the vice chancellor.

The event concluded with an air of celebration and accomplishment as Sheikh Adil, gymnasium coach at KU,, conducted the formal proceedings of the closing ceremony.