JAMMU, Nov 6: The Department of Physical Education and Sports, Government College of Education(GCOE), Canal Road, organised the 9th Inter-collegiate Table Tennis Tournament under the aegis of Cluster University of Jammu and under the overall supervision of the Principal of the College, Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Parihar.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with Tilak and Badges ceremony followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest, Prof. Satish Kumar Sharma, HOD Hindi and Officiating Principal, and the Special Guest, Dr. Vinod Bakshi, Director Sports, Cluster University of Jammu, in the presence of faculty members, sports officials and distinguished guests.
The occasion was further graced by the presence of Directors of Physical Education and Sports from various constituent colleges of Cluster University of Jammu, reflecting their collective commitment towards promoting sports culture and sporting excellence among students.
All five constituent colleges of Cluster University of Jammu actively participated in both the categories of the tournament, showcasing their sporting talent, enthusiasm, discipline and competitive spirit in which Govt SPMR College of Commerce stood winners in men and GGM Science College stood winners in women section.
Dr J S Soodan, Director of Physical Education and Sports, GCOE in his welcome address formally welcomed the chief guest and special guests along with other dignitaries, Sports Directors from other five constituents’ colleges of Cluster University of Jammu, faculty members, sports committee members, officiating members, students and the participants from other colleges.
He stressed upon that sports are not merely a source of physical fitness and recreation they are an effective medium for developing discipline, leadership, teamwork, confidence, patience and sportsmanship.
“Table tennis, in particular, is a game of speed, concentration, coordination, anticipation and quick decision-making. It teaches players to remain focused, resilient and composed even under challenging circumstances,: he added.
The chief Guest Prof. Satish Sharma in his address encouraged the students to adopt sports as a hobby. He mentioned that this tournament provided an excellent platform for students to demonstrate their table tennis skills while fostering sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy competition among the participating institutions.
Further, the special guest Dr Vinod Bakshi, Director Sports CUJ, spoke about the need of the time to use an opportunity for their overall development through sports. He has appreciated the efforts of the Department of Physical Education and Sports, Government College of Education, Jammu, for organising the tournament and emphasised the importance of sports in the holistic development of students.
He also encouraged young players to actively participate in sporting activities and strive for excellence at higher levels.
The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation and a spirit of camaraderie among the participating teams, making the inaugural event a memorable occasion.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Prof. Tanpreet Singh Bagga, College Director of Physical Education and Sports, GCOE, with a renewed commitment to promote sports activities and strengthen inter-collegiate sporting engagements under the banner of Cluster University of Jammu.
He emphasis to celebrate sports, encourage sporting talent and strengthen the spirit of Healthy competition among institutions. He has assured the audience that the department of physical education and sports will promote sports culture in the college and will provide an opportunity to the students for larger participation in sporting events.
The stage proceedings were conducted by Sonia (President), Manik Singh (Vice President), Surbhi Sharma (Cultural Secretary) and Shranya Sharma (Media Coordinator). The programme was attended by faculty members, including Dr. Rakesh Bharti, Prof. Deepali Devi, Dr. Maansi Sharma, Dr. Shalini Sharma, Dr. Davinder Kaur, Prof. Anuradha Chaudhary, Dr. Ambika Kumari, Dr. Ramzan Ali, Prof. Balwan Singh, Dr. Sunanda and Dr. Anupama Choudhry.