Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Oct 7: Three day state level table tennis tournament organised in Udupi was inaugurated by Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat on Saturday, October 6 at the Tri-centenary hall, Milagres, Kallianpur.

The tourney was organised by Milagres English medium school Kallianpur in association with Udupi zilla panchayat, district administration, department of Public Education, deputy director office and Sectoral Education Office, Brahmavar zone.

In his inaugural address, Bhat spoke on the importance of inculcating the spirit of sportsmanship. “Many sports persons from different districts have come to Udupi with many expectations. All cannot become a sportsman, likewise all cannot be a winner. One should work hard for getting good result. Everyone has potential and talents,” he said.

He urged students to keep a goal in their life and work hard to meet that goal. “Have a target of becoming an international level player. A person can become a politician by luck, but a person can become a sportsman only due to efforts, continuous training and physical fitness. He/she should put effort to achieve the dream. There are vast opportunities for sports persons or athletes in the next 5-10 years. The next decade will become a sports era. 'Sports exercise Science' has been introduced as a subject at Manipal University. Indian players will have a bright future. A person will get success only when he puts effort along with talent and makes use of his potential or ability,” Bhat added.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese and president of CESU, said education is a collaboration of head, heart, mind and soul. It should help in the integrated development of a person. “We are not giving importance to physical education when compared to academics. Sports is a tool for cognitive development. We must stress on sports activities, but it is going down while observing the current phenomenon. People are giving less priority to physical development,” he said.

The bishop continued by giving the example of Wilma Rudolph, who was an American sprinter from Clarksville, Tennessee, who became a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon. “She overcame polio attack and all odds by her will power. Her will made her strong and she won 3 gold medals in the Olympics. She is the true inspiration to all emerging sportspersons and athletes,” he said.

He further added that Wilma Rudolph’s continuous effort led her to achieve in sports field. “One should harbour the spirit to achieve in life. It may be impossible to get prizes or become a winner, but participation is important. It gives courage, sportsmanship and experience,” he said and wished that the tourney will become a stepping stone for blooming talents to reach success. He urged the students to make use of this opportunity.

As part of the event, a grand procession was carried out from Santhekatte to Tri-centenary hall.

International player Abhishek who is a table tennis tournament medalist in Commonwealth Games held in 2010 was the chief guest of the occasion.

Janardhan Thonse, member, zilla panchayat, Udupi, Fr Dr Lawrence D'Souza, parish priest, Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur and convenor of Milagres Group of Education Institutions, Pushpa Kotian, president, Kallianpur village panchayat, Sheela K Shetty, vice president, Udupi zilla panchayat, Nalini Pradeep Rao, president, taluk panchayat, Lokesh, BEO, Brahmavar zone, Sheshashayana, deputy director, public education department, Udupi, Vincent Mascarenhas, PET, public education department, Bhujanga Shetty, taluk PE in-charge officer, Brahmavar zone, Pelsian Lewis, Sunil Lasrado, Chandrashekar,
Dathathreya, Shekhar Patil, Sudarshan Nayak, Ashwin, Refree, and physical education teachers were present.

Madhukar, Udupi district physical education supervisor, department of Public Instruction delivered the keynote address. “A four member team will qualify to participate at national level tourney to be held in Delhi. There will be a ranking system for the selection. Students from 30 districts are participating in this tournament and four more teams are expected to join,” he said.

Fr Lancy Fernandes S J, headmaster, Milagres English Medium School Kallianpur extended the welcome.