ICAR-IIHR hosted ICAR South Zone Sports Meet

13th – 16th December 2023, Bengaluru

ICAR-South Zone Sports tournament was hosted by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru from 13th to 16th December 2023 at the Sports Ground, GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.

Dr. S.V. Suresha, Vice Chancellor of UAS, Bengaluru, was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function. He emphasised the significance of sports and extracurricular activities in the workplace, highlighting their role in alleviating job-related stress and promoting a balance between the mind and body. Dr. Suresha emphasised the significance of employee fitness in enhancing work productivity and the overall achievements of the institute.

Shri. Eapen P.V, Inspector General, CEDCO, BSF was the Chief Guest of the closing ceremony. He emphasised the participation from different age groups congratulating the willingness and courage shown by all towards participation. Shri. Eapen also wished and congratulated all the ICAR staff for not only participating in the sports meet but also for making India food surplus from the period of poverty.

Dr. N. B. Prakash, Dean (Agri) and Dean of Student Welfare, College of Agriculture, AS, GKVK, Bengaluru and Shri. Hemant Kumar Jha, DIG, CI were the Guests of Honour during the closing ceremony.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director of ICAR-IIHR, welcomed the participating contingents, expressing hope for a tournament that would promote sportsmanship, competition, and networking.

Shri. GP Sharma, Joint Secretary (Finance), ICAR (HQ), and Dr. Prakash Patil, Project Coordinator (Fruits), Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa were also present at the sports meet.

Dr. N.B.Prakash congratulated ICAR-IIHR for hosting the tournament successfully.

Shri. Hemant Kumar Jha emphasised the importance of sports activities emphasising the proverb “Healthy mind resides in healthy body”.  

The sports meet covered a diverse range of sports including athletic events such as 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 4x100 m relay and 1500 m races, javelin and discus throw, shotput, high jump, and long jump. Team events like volleyball, football, basketball, cricket, and kabaddi, as well as indoor games like badminton, chess, carom, and table tennis, were also a part of the exciting lineup.

About 700 participants from 23 ICAR institutes from the Southern states of Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa and ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi have participated in various sporting competitions.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru)