PESHAWAR
Higher Education Commission Inter-Varsity Boys Tug of War Championship got underway here at Islamia College University Peshawar with top 12 teams from all across the country taking part.
Vice Chancellor historical Islamia College University Peshawar Professor Dr. Gul Majeed Khan was the chief guest on this occasion who formally inaugurated the Championship. Director Sports Islamia College University Peshawar and former first class cricketer Ali Hoti, teaching staff, Chairman Technical Committee Muhammad Akram Gujjar, President KP Tug of War Association Taj Muhammad, officials, players and a large number of spectators were also present.
The colour ceremony was started with the March Past of all the participating teams, followed by recitation of Holy Qurab by Qari Zohail of Superior University and National Anthem.
Vice Chancellor Islamia College University Professor Dr. Gul Majeed announced the Championship opening. He in his speech to the teams appreciated all the participating 12 University teams to be part of the Championship. He said through this way a softer image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be shown to the rest of the country. He said Islamia College University Peshawar has been playing a key role in both academic and sports.
Islamia College produced world class hockey Olympians, international players in other games and current international cricketers. He said the management of the University is giving due importance to healthy sports activities because a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.
He said there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan but due to lack of interest in the educational institution such talent could not find a proper platform to come and exhibit. He urged upon the education institution to give due importance to sports activities, He said sports teaches tolerance, sportsmanship and above all promotes brotherhood.
He said through sports we could also promote a better and healthy society. Sports are a crucial part of a student’s growth and development. They help in the development of mental health and physical fitness of the body. Through participation in sports and games, a student gains various skills, experience and confidence that are helpful for developing their personality, Dr. Gul Majeed said.
He said sports increased cardiovascular fitness, healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons, improved coordination and balance, a greater ability to physically relax and, therefore, avoid the complications of chronic muscular tension.
He said, playing sports helps release pressure and tension in a healthy and controlled way. Sports improves sleep patterns and levels of anxiety, Dr. Gul Majeed added. It helps us to stay healthy, fit, and active. Besides, it teaches us the value of teamwork and encourages us to work hard and never give up, he said.
He said, sports also help us develop discipline, dedication, and commitment, which are essential values for success in life. It is also a great way for people to socialize and make new friends, he said.
Sports helps an individual much more than in the physical aspects alone as it builds character, teaches and develops strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills, goal setting and risk taking, he concluded.
Earlier, on the opening day, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan defeated University of Swabi by 2-1, Superior University got a walk-over against Fast Islamabad, Agri University Faisalabad defeated UET Taxila by 2-0, University of Management and Technology Lahore beat University of Peshawar by 2-0.
