The 113th Annual Sports of the Government College University Lahore on Wednesday began at a grand inaugural ceremony at the Punjab Stadium. About 1,400 students from 26 departments of GC University Lahore took part in the ceremony marked by a grand march past, sports day oath and athletics meet. The Institute of Bio-technology bagged the prestigious trophy of the Best March Past Contingent, while Department of Urdu stood second.
The GCU athletes, led by GCU 112th Annual Sports record-holder Adeel Anjum, 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 113th GCU Athletics Meet.
In his message on the annual sports, Vice Chancellor Professor (Meritorious) Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman said that he had always encouraged his students to take part in sports and healthy co-curricular activities, adding that that he had increased funds for the sports and co-curricular activities in the university budget. The Vice Chancellor believed that sports made students better human being, adding that "sports teach tolerance and encourage the spirit of competitiveness."
He advised the university students to never compromise on the standards of sportsmanship. "Sportsmanship is more important than winning an event," he added. Addressing the opening ceremony, GCU Sports Board Chairman Professor Dr Ikramul Haq said that the importance given to sports by the developed countries was no less than education. "The GCU leadership has provided full encouragement and conducive environment for the sports activities right from the beginning," he added.
Later, the first day of the annual sports event was marked by 800 meters race which was won by Urdu Department student Wasim Sajid by covering the distance in 2:10:13 seconds. Urdu Department student Moshin Naveed set a new record in 110 M Hurdle race by covering the distance in 15:30 seconds. He broke the record of Abdul Ghaffar Gujjar which he made at the GC Annual Sports in the year 1996.
The athletics events of 5000 meters, 1500 meters, Triple Jump, and Pole vault will be held at the Punjab Stadium today (Thursday). However, the most enthralling Gymkhana events which include Ministerial Staff Race, Naib Qasid Race, Four Legged Race, Cricket Throw Ball for Girls, Pillow Fighting, Staff Children Race, Stilt Race, 60 Meter Race, Sack Race, Chatti Race for Girls and Obstacle Race will be held at the closing ceremony at GCU Oval Ground tomorrow (Friday).