The inaugural session was graced by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Member Shri D. Vedavyas Kamath, Shri Pradeep D’Souza, Assistant Director, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Dakshina Kannada, District Sports Coordinator Shri Premanath Shetty, Principal Sister Dr. M. Venissa A.C, Physical Education Coordinator Dr. Tangarani, Coordinator Dr. Uday Kumar, along with other distinguished dignitaries.
Presiding over the programme, District Sports Coordinator Shri Premanath Shetty emphasized the vital role of sports in shaping the character of youth. He highlighted that sports instill discipline, rule adherence, and an understanding of right and wrong. He further noted that participation in sports develops leadership qualities, teamwork, and resilience. According to him, experiencing both victory and defeat on the field prepares students to face real-life challenges with courage, thereby contributing to personality development and responsible citizenship.
Addressing the gathering, Shri D. Vedavyas Kamath spoke about the growing recognition of Kabaddi. He recalled that traditional sports such as Kabaddi earlier did not receive due importance in Mangaluru and other parts of Karnataka. However, with the introduction of IPL-style Kabaddi leagues, the sport has gained renewed vitality, popularity, and respect at the national level. Today, Kabaddi has evolved from a rural game into a sport of national pride, he remarked.
Shri Pradeep D’Souza, Assistant Director, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, extended his best wishes to all the participants and appreciated their enthusiasm and sporting spirit.
The results of the PUC Intercollegiate Matyudh Kabaddi Tournament are as follows:
In the Girls’ Division, the individual awards were given to Sharvi from Parigyan PU College as the Best Raider, Niyati from Canara PU College as the Best Defender, and Athmika from Canara PU College as the Best All-Rounder. Canara PU College emerged as the winners, while Parigyan PU College was the runners-up.
In the Boys’ Division, the individual awards were given to Saif Uddin from Yenepoya PU College as the Best Raider, Sajju from Milagres PU College as the Best Defender, and Mustafa from Milagres PU College as the Best All-Rounder. Milagres PU College won the tournament, while Yenepoya PU College was the runners-up.
The ceremony celebrated the discipline, energy, and teamwork of all participating players, bringing the tournament to a memorable close. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Khushi, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and the organizing committee.
The tournament concluded on a high note, celebrating sportsmanship, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of Kabaddi among PUC students.
