Young champions from Jalandhar-based college showcase sportsmanship and athleticism

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar recently held its Annual Athletic Meet where Padma Sri and Arjun Awardee SardarPargat Singh, Member, Punjab VidhanSabha was present as revered Chief Guest and Dr. Amandeep Singh, Incharge, Youth Welfare Department and Head, Department of Physical Education, GNDU was present as Guest of Honour.

Warmly receiving the guests while presenting them a bouquet, Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA, shared with the audience about the rich history of the college which always strives for the best while following the principles laid down by its Founder Chairman Dr Stya Paul and under the able guidance of Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education.

While welcoming Sardar Pargat Singh, Dr. Dhingra said, “There could not have been a better Chief Guest as him at the Annual Athletic Meet for he has dedicated his life to hockey and made our nation proud. He is a true inspiration for our young minds who can learn a lot from him.” She also congratulated Dr. Amandeep Singh under whose aegis GNDU is continuously attaining victory in Youth Festival at North Zone and National level.

Addressing the students, Dr. Dhingra said that participating in a competition is in itself commendable and winning is an added bonus. She added that sports teach us a lot in our lives and we must learn consistency, discipline and decorum from it and adopt these skills in our life.

In Annual Athletic Meet 2025, the competitions- 100 meter race, 200 meter race, 400 meter race, 4×100 Relay race and three leg race were organised for the students in track events.

Also, students participated with much enthusiasm in shot put, Long jump and tug of war. On this occasion, Mr. Pragat Singh first congratulated Dr. Dhingra and her staff for completing 50 years of College and celebrating Golden Jubilee. Addressing the students, he said, “The primary ingredients for the developed and enhanced society are a healthy mind and body are very essential. Sports certainly have a lot to teach like leadership skills, team spirit, dedication and discipline. And these are the life skills which are essential in all the aspects of life and every individual must adopt these qualities.”

Talking about how social media has slowed down the progress of our youth, Mr. Singh put forth that the time that youth spends on not so productive tasks on social media can be used on other things that are not just productive but also add quality in their life. Emphasising the importance of health, Mr. Singh said, “Healthy people result in a healthy nation and in order to attain that one must dedicate themselves to consuming healthy food and avoid junk food and make exercise and games the part of their routine.”

Mr. Singh congratulated the participants and winners and encouraged them to unleash their potential and use their resources wisely.

Dr. Amandeep Singh also expressed his joy seeing the students of Apeejay excelling in Sports as well. After competing in different races and field events, the winners were rewarded with medals and certificates by Principal Dr. NeerjaDhingra, Sr. Pargat Singh and Dr. Amandeep Singh.

DiyaTalwar bagged the title of Best Athlete (Female) whereas Kunwar Armaan Singh and RibhavBatra bagged the title of Best Athlete (Male).

The event ended with an energetic and dynamic Bhangra performance. Dr. Dhingra praised Mr. SahilMahey of Department of Physical Education for successfully organising the Athletic Meet which encouraged the students for maximum participation. She also acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Monika Anand for ensuring the smooth organization of Annual Athletic Meet.