The 112th Annual Sports of the Government College University Lahore kicked off on Friday. About 3000 students from 26 departments of GCU Lahore took part in the ceremony marked by a grand march past, sports day oath and athletics meet. Institute of Bio-technology bagged the prestigious trophy of the Best March Past Contingent while Department of English stood second.
The Department of Statistics, owing to their discipline and uniformity, adjudicated third. The GCU athletes, led by GCU 111th Annual Sports record-holder (Long Jump) Adnan Jahangir, took oath that they would take part in annual games abiding by the rules and in the true spirit of sportsmanship for the glory of sports and the honour of their teams.
The musicians hailing from GCU Nazir Ahmed Music Society (NAMS) this year presented a special anthem for 112th GCU Athletics Meet. GCU Vice Chancellor Professor (Meritorious) Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said that sports make students better human being, adding that "it teaches tolerance and encourages the spirit of competitiveness."
The VC said GCU is made one of the finest sports nurseries for producing and grooming sportsmen for national teams, besides it is involving its students and faculty members in healthy sports activities. He advised the university students to never compromise on the standards of sportsmanship.
"Sportsmanship is more important than winning an event," he added. Professor Khaleeq revealed that they have generously increased funds for the sports and co-curricular activities in the university budget. Addressing the opening ceremony, GCU Sports Board Chairman Professor Dr Ikramul Haq said that the importance given to sports by the developed countries is no less than education.
"The GCU leadership has provided full encouragement for the sports activities right from the beginning," he added. He appreciated the participation of students in Annual Sports and congratulated the position holder sportsmen of the competitions held at the opening ceremony.