By Dr. Sukhprit Singh
AMRITSAR: Celebrations are in full swing as Guru Nanak Dev University achieves an unparalleled milestone in the realm of sports by winning the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for an incredible 25th time.
This distinguished accolade is a testament to the university's unwavering commitment to sports brilliance, making it the sole institution in the country to achieve this remarkable feat.
The MAKA Trophy, awarded to acknowledge the outstanding sports performance in various domains including the All India Inter-University Tournament, Khelo India University Games, and International Competitions, is set to be received by the
esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Dr. Kanwar Mandeep Singh, Director Sports, from the Honorable President of the country, Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji, on January 9th, 2024 in Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
A grand felicitation ceremony to celebrate Silver Jubilee number of MAKA is planned at the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan of the university on January 10th to commemorate this triumph. Dignitaries including Punjab's Cabinet Minister, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Heir, will grace the occasion and honor the players, university coaches and officials whose dedication and
tireless efforts contributed significantly to securing this esteemed trophy.
The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, extended his congratulations to the entire university community and the people of Punjab for this exceptional achievement. Cabinet Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Heir and Education Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bains also expressed their jubilation and gratitude for this momentous milestone while expressing their hopes for the continuous advancement of Guru Nanak Dev University and Punjab.
Adding to the glory, University player Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar is set to receive the Arujan Award, becoming the 36th player from the university to be honored with this prestigious award. Tomar's remarkable achievements in shooting, including securing gold medals in both the Asian and World University Games, reflect the institution's commitment to nurturing exceptional talent.
Guru Nanak Dev University's legacy in sports dates back to its participation in sports since 1971. The university clinched its first MAKA Trophy in 1976-77, setting the stage for a string of victories from 1979 to 1987 and subsequently in 1991-94, 1997-2003, and in recent times in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2022.
Vice-Chancellor Professor (Dr.) Jaspal Singh Sandhu credits the players and their coaches for this achievement while acknowledging their dedication and hard work. Dr. Kanwar Mandeep Singh said that under Dr. Sandhu's leadership, the university conducts over 90 inter-college championships and sends more than 70 teams to various All India
Inter-University Championships, fostering a culture of sports excellence.
The University's Department of Sports Science and Medicine, established in collaboration with the Government of India, plays a pivotal role in rehabilitating athletes from physical and psychological injuries, serving as a beacon of hope for aspiring sportspeople. The university also boasts world-class infrastructure and facilities, including multiple sports arenas, training, coaching, and provisions for athletes, resulting in numerous medals for the country in prestigious events like the Asian Games, Tokyo Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and more.
As the MAKA Trophy returns for the 25th time to Guru Nanak Dev University, it serves as a movtivation for the university's players to strive for a 26th victory. The entire university community remains dedicated to Punjab and India's progress, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sandhu's exemplary leadership guiding the way not just in sports but in all facets of academia and excellence.
Dr. Sukhprit Singh
Professor Incharge (Public Relations)
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar