CHANDIGARH- AUGUST 29, 2008: The Department of Physical Education, Panjab University , Chandigarh , celebrated the National Sports Day by organizing three sports events starting with Mini Marathon Cross Country for Men and Women at 6.30 A.M. which was started from Panjab University Grounds.
The runners covered the distance via residential areas of P.U. Campus by making public aware about National Sports Day. Few runners carried play cards with mottos such as Sports Promote Friendship, Peace and Helps in the development of the [UTF-8?]Nation’s Health. The race was flagged off by Mr. Raj Pal Singh [UTF-8?]– an Ace Centre forward of Indian Hockey Team. On the occasion, Mr. Raj Pal Singh briefed about the [UTF-8?]sports’ importance for the promotion of Health of the Nation and for enhancing the prestige of the nation at International level. He said that developed countries pay more emphasis on mass sports participation that is why they achieve pinnacles in arena of sports at International level. He gave away prizes to the winners of the sports events.
The Department also organized an Olympia Quiz Competition for the University students. The main purpose of this quiz was to make aware the students about Olympic History & Beijing Olympics and its heroes, so that the students can get motivated and participated in Sports in large numbers.
In the continuation of National Sports Day Celebrations, the Department of Physical Education organized Six a Side Soccer Competition by inviting different teams of the University. The function was concluded with a token of love to the winner students and with a advice to the losers to continue in taking part in sports.
Dr. G.S. Brar, Chairman of the Department of Physical Education highlighted the importance of the National Sports Day by quoting few examples about wizard Dhayan Chand on whose birthday, this National Sports Day was being celebrated. He lauded the qualities of Dhayan Chand such as hard work, dedication, honesty, humbleness, patriotism and asked the students to follow so that India can produce many national sports heroes who can bring laurel to the country.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Gurmeet Singh to the participants and the Chief Guest of the events of the day according to Dr. G.S. Brar, Chairman, Department of Physical Education, PU.