Sportikon: Inaugural Ceremony signals the games open

By PRANAVI AMBATI

The much-anticipated SPORTIKON 2024, Bennett University’s annual inter-university sports festival, commenced with fervour as 1,259 athletes from 51 universities gathered to celebrate athleticism. The inaugural ceremony, held at the P-Block of the Bennett campus, witnessed the competitive spirit that defines collegiate sports.

Officiating the inaugural ceremony were Bennett University Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Abraham, the Chief Operating Officer Mr. Sudhanshu Varma, Sports Officers Dr. Arun Kumar and Mr. Vineet Nehra, and the Deans of the constituent schools at Bennett University. As is customary in Indian culture, the ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp followed by the Ganesh Vandana, with the Bharatnatyam performance paying obeisance to Lord Ganesha.

Bennett University Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Abraham lighting the lamp at the inaugural ceremony of SPORTIKON 2024, joined on stage by the Chief Operating Officer Mr. Sudhanshu Varma (centre), and Sports Officers Dr. Arun Kumar (left) and Mr. Vineet Nehra (right). Photo Courtesy: Maansi Sreejith.

In his opening remarks, Bennett University Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Abraham emphasized the importance of collegiate sporting events. "Sporting events help make one more stronger and resilient in life to face the real world," he said. “This is a golden opportunity for our students to learn from other universities and colleges, gaining knowledge not otherwise taught in the classrooms,” he added, fostering an environment of mutual respect and camaraderie.

At the ceremony, the audience was also treated to a mesmerizing cultural extravaganza as students from Bennett University put up a dazzling performance that raised the spirits of all participants.

Adding to the energy in the hall was a rousing performance by Rivaaz, the cultural dance club at Bennett University. Photo Courtesy: Maansi Sreejith.

In an expression of gratitude to all visiting colleges, Bennett University Chief Operating Officer Mr. Sudhanshu Varma delivered the Vote of Thanks at the inaugural ceremony. He commended the dedication of Sports Officers Dr. Arun Kumar and Mr. Vineet Nehra in ensuring that the 2nd Edition of the annual sports festival saw light of the day on 22nd February, 2024.

In acknowledging the importance of rules and the spirit of sportsmanship, Bennett University Sports Committee Secretary Ms. Kamakshi Singh administered the oath. She was joined by the Captains, Vice-Captains, and players present in the auditorium. Thus culminated the Inaugural Ceremony of SPORTIKON 2024.

(The writer is a Semester IV student of the BA Journalism and Mass Communication programme.)