79th natl athletic championship from Nov 24

Mangalore University, in association with Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri, will organise 79th All India Inter-University Athletic Championship 2018-19 at Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri from November 24 to 28.

Mangalore University Physical Education department Director and Championship Organising Secretary Kishore Kumar C K told mediapersons at Patrika Bhavan, on Thursday, that the tournament would be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on November 24 (5 pm). Mangaluru University Vice Chancellor In-charge Ishwar P will preside over the programme.

D Harshendra Kumar of Sri Kshetra Dharmastala will hoist the athletic flag. Mangaluru MP Nalin Kumar Kateel will receive the sports baton. Nitte (Deemed to be University) Chancellor Dr Vinay Hegde will be the guest of honour. Olympian P T Usha will be felicitated on the occasion.

Olympian M R Poovamma, Commonwealth medalist Dharun Ayyasamy and Youth Olympics Medalist Praveen will also be honoured.

All the three happen to be the students or former students of Alva's College. Prior to the inaugural function, a cultural procession featuring 79 art troupes, will be taken out from Hanuman Temple to Swaraj Maidan.

A march past of the participating athletes will also be held.

4,500 athletes

Kumar said Mangalore University was hosting All India Inter-University Athletic meet for the first time. As many as 4,500 athletes (2500 male and 2000 female) and 2,000 sports executives from over 350 Universities across the country will participate in the event.

The winners of the inter-university event will become eligible for World level inter-university athletics meet. Alva's Education Foundation (AEF) Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva said that 84 athletes will represent Mangalore University in the tournament and out of these, 80 are from Alva's College alone.

"Photo Finish technology and floodlight matches are the salient features of the national-level inter-university athletic meet," he said.

Foundation also will award cash prizes to athletes who break previous records. Food and accommodation will be provided to the athletes, coaches, sports officials and special invitees free-of-charge, Alva said.

The valedictory programme will be held in Swaraj Maidan on November 28 (3 pm). Urban Development and Housing Minister U T Khader will give away the prizes.

Mangaluru University Vice Chancellor In-charge Dr Ishwar P will preside over the programme.