All India Inter University Fencing (Men & Women) Championship 2024-25 declared Open

The All India Inter University Fencing (Men & Women) Championship 2024-25 organized by the Directorate of Sports & Physical Education, University of Jammu commenced today at the University Gymnasium Hall, after it was declared open by Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning, University of Jammu amidst large number of gathering of dignitaries, players of different Universities, officials, employees & students of the University as well as the people from the civil society.

Sh. Shiv Kumar (IPS) DIG J&K Police Jammu was the Special Guest of the function where as Sh. Rashid Ahmed Choudhary International Referee & Competition Director of this event was the Guests of Honour. Sh. Krishan Kumar High Performance Manager Fencing (SAI) New Delhi and Dr. Deepak Singh Patyal Chief Coach SAI, NCOE Patiala were also the Guests on the Dias.

The University of Jammu has been entrusted by the Association of Indian Universities with the honor of hosting the All India Inter University Fencing (Men & Women) Championship for 2024-25. This prestigious event, taking place from November 6th to November 10th, 2024, will witness participation from 103 teams representing universities from across the country. Over 1,200 athletes from various institutions will come together to compete in this grand event.

In her address to the gathering, Prof. Meena Sharma commended the organizers for hosting such a valuable sports event, highlighting how it not only showcases the sports talent of students from various universities but also strengthens closer connections among them. She also expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of players and the officials accompanying their university teams.

In his address, Sh. Shiv Kumar Sharma emphasized that the University of Jammu is actively organizing various sports activities for channelizing the energy of the youth in a positive direction. He highlighted that sports and games not only improve large muscle coordination, leading to better physical fitness, but also instill qualities such as sportsmanship, leadership, unity, and competitive spirit among students. He urged the participants to recognize that sports are a powerful tool in eliminating drugs and other societal vices. Additionally, Sh. Shiv Kumar Sharma shed light on the significant progress in sports infrastructure and performance over the past few years.

Earlier, Dr. Daud Iqbal Baba, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu presented the formal welcome address and briefed about the Championship. Dr Baba also emphasised that Sports and games impart a sense of discipline, fellow-feeling and togetherness. Sports and games are the right avenues to channelize the energy and vitality of students in a positive direction. He highlighted the features of the fencing game in his address. He also promised that University of Jammu will be front runner in nourishing the talent of the sportsperson who will ultimately make the Jammu as well the nation proud.

An impressive demonstration of fencing game was also conducted by the fencers during the inaugural ceremony of this mega event.

The proceedings of the function were conducted by Ms. Vandna Sharma and Ms. Lakshika Jamwal. The formal vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Komal, Nagar Assistant Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu.

Others present on the occasion included Dr. Imran Farooq, Dr. Akhilesh Sharma, Sh. Irfan Goni, Sh. Vimal Kishore, Sh. Vikas Karlopia, Sh. Ravish Vaid, Sh. Gagan Kumar Sh. Shamsher Singh, Sh. Jai Bharat, Sd. P. D. Singh, Sh. Sumeet Kumar, S. Harinderpal Singh, S. Inderjeet Singh, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Mr. Ashok Singh Bali, Ms. Richa Mandla, Mr. Manjeet Kotwal and officials of the participating teams.