Employee Sports and Cultural Meet Kicks Off at Nauni

Nauni, Solan: Excitement filled the air at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, as the Second University Employees Sports, Games and Cultural Meet commenced today on the university’s main campus. The much-awaited event witnessed enthusiastic participation and support from students, who cheered on the university staff and faculty competing across various sports and cultural categories.

Five teams comprising employees from different research stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and constituent colleges are participating in this year’s event. These include teams from the College of Horticulture, College of Forestry (main campus) and colleges at Neri and Thunag, along with a team representing the Administrative Block.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of the university. In his address, Prof. Chandel noted that the enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural edition inspired the continuation of this initiative, which aims to foster a healthy, happy and collaborative environment among university employees and students. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a fitness-oriented mindset, highlighting that professional commitments often leave little room for staff to engage in sports and hobbies.

“This three-day event offers our employees a refreshing break and an opportunity to assess their fitness routines,” Prof. Chandel said. He also appreciated the efforts of the Office of the Dean Students’ Welfare and various employee associations for promoting a culture of health, fitness and sportsmanship on campus. The inaugural ceremony featured a march past followed by the oath of sportsmanship, administered by the team of College of Horticulture, Winners of last year’s event. This year 257 participants are taking part in the meet.

Over the next three days, participants will compete in a wide range of track and field events—including 100m, 200m, and 400m races, long jump, javelin throw, and tug-of-war—for both men and women. Events are divided into two categories: 21–40 years and 41–60 years. In addition, competitions in badminton, table tennis, chess, kabaddi, volleyball, and cricket will be held, along with cultural performances featuring solo, group, and folk songs. The overall winner will be determined based on cumulative points from all competitions.

Day 1 Highlights

In the 100-meter race for statutory officers, Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel secured first place, followed by Dr. D.R. Bhardwaj (Librarian) and Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan (Director Research), who finished second and third respectively. In the 100-meter race for department heads, Dr. Rajneesh Sharma(College of Horticulture) claimed the top position, while Dr. Rakesh Sharma (College of Horticulture) and Dr. B.S. Dogra (Neri) stood second and third. In the men’s 200 meters (over 40 years), Dr. Sumit (Horticulture) bagged first place, with Vipan (Administrative Block) and Rajneesh (Forestry) finishing second and third. In the women’s 200 meters (over 40 years), Dr. Aruna (Thunag) won gold, followed by Tara Devi (Forestry) and Mamta (Horticulture).In the 200 meters (under 40 years) women’s category, Dr. Shreya (Forestry) won gold, while Deepika (Horticulture) and Deepika (Administrative Block) secured silver and bronze respectively. In the men’s 200 meters (under 40 years), Lucky (Administrative Block) took first place, with Vikas (Forestry) and Dr. Pranjay (Administrative Block) finishing second and third.

In tug-of-war, the women’s team from Neri triumphed over the Administrative Block, while Thunag defeated Horticulture. In the semifinals, Neri beat Forestry. In men’s kabaddi, the Administrative Block team beat Neri, while Forestry College emerged victorious against Horticulture. In volleyball (female), Administrative Block defeated Thunag, and Forestry beat Horticulture. In the men’s volleyball, Administrative Block overcame the College of Horticulture to advance to the next round.