Banaras Hindu University organises its 5th edition of paralympic games

NEW DELHI: The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) started the 5th edition of its paralympic games on Wednesday, March 1. The game is begin held after a gap of three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event will be held till March 3 witnessing the participation of nearly 250 students in 22 sports and extracurricular activities.

On the opening day, a Tug of War competition was organised in the male and female categories. The activities that are being organized include cricket-visual, cricket-ortho, badminton, table tennis, chess ortho, chess visual, athletics, carom and others.

Inaugurating the paralympic games, Registrar Professor Arun Kumar Singh said that the university has taken a number of initiatives to promote sporting activities on the campus, so as to contribute to the overall development of students, as was the vision of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. He expressed elation over the large number of participants of specially-abled students in the games.

As per the official release of BHU, Professor SVS Raju, Vice-President, University Sports Board, underlined the efforts, being made by the university administration for better exposure to specially-abled students as well as creating a more 'divyang-friendly' atmosphere on the campus.

General Secretary of Sports Board, Profesor BC Kapri noted the growing success of the paralympic games at the university. He informed that in the year 2016, when the games were launched, there were only 86 participants, however, the number of participants has tripled in its 5th edition.

Dean of Students Professor Anupam Kumar Nema lauded the excitement and enthusiasm towards the paralympic games as heartwarming. He assured that the university is committed to providing all possible support to ensure better opportunities and exposure for students.

Delivering the presidential address, Professor OP Rai, former Dean and former Chief Proctor, said that what matters is the participation and not the victory or the loss. He called upon students to make the best use of their student life and nurture themselves to become better people and citizens.