Pics: Shekhar Ajekar
Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Aug 8: The  eighth state-level ‘Wushu championship – 2009’ got under way at Mahavir College here on Friday August 7. The championship is being held under the aegis of Dakshina Kannada District Wushu Association and Sri Mahavir College Sports Club.

This three-day event was inaugurated by Western Institute of Technology, Mangalore chief Stephen Mendes. In his inaugural address, Mendes laid stress on the importance of  practising  martial arts like Wushu, to keep the body and mind in perfect shape and sharp focus. The art not only helps one in self-defence but it can also occasionally help one for achieving social good, he remarked.  He pointed out that the students of  China and Korea, who are trained in martial arts, are not being attacked in Australia, whereas Indian students who have no such training, are being targetted.

District Nehru Youth Centre convener Shantakumar, entrepreneur Abdul Ala, MKACP Ed principal Dhananjay Shetty and Sri Mahavir PU College principal Padmavati Badakillaya participated as chief guests.

Giving a broad outline of 'Wushu' martial art form, state secretary of 'Wushu', Ashok Mokashi, described it as the mother of all martial art forms. Informing that the Sports Authority of India has added 'Wushu' in its priority list, he said, efforts are on to introduce this art in railway and police universities.

Sri Mahavir College principal Prof T K Mohan presided.

College physical education director Siddarayanna welcomed. Students’ Union president Punit Kumar proposed vote of thanks. Librarian Nalini presented the programme. Organizing secretary Nadeem, Jubair K and other office bearers were present.