Athletics championship in Mangaluru a landmark for all sports games in the country

The five-day 85th All India Inter-University Athletics Championship 2025-26 hosted by Alva’s Education Foundation and organised by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences kicked off on January 12, at Swaraj Maidan in Moodbdiri.

Inaugurating the event, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader said, “This championship, organised by Alva’s, is a model for global games.” It’s a landmark for all sports games in the country, he said.

He emphasised that such sporting events play a vital role in nation-building and in shaping a strong and vibrant India, and added that students are the architects of the country’s future.

During the inauguration, a tricolour balloon was released into the air. After lighting the sports torch, athlete Dikshita Ramakrishna administered the pledge.

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences vice chancellor B.C. Bhagwan and Legislative Council Member S.L. Bhoje Gowda hoisted the Alva’s Education Foundation flag.

Mohammed Mohiseen, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, stated, “Sports symbolise our unity. We should embrace the spirit of victory. Alva’s offers quality education.”

Dr. Bhagwan congratulated Alva’s Education Foundation chairman M. Mohan Alva for hosting the meet, describing it as a “manifestation of excellent hospitality, organisation and neatness”.

Over 4,000 athletes and about 1,000 officials from 324 universities across India are participating in the games.

First gold

Gaurav and Nirmala won gold in the men’s and women’s 10,000 m races, respectively. Gaurav, from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, finished in 29:19.46 seconds. Nirmala, from Alva’s Autonomous College and Mangalore University, clocked 34:47.20 seconds.