- Advertisement -
SARGODHA, Apr 09 (APP):Provincial Minister for Communication Sohaib Ahmed Bherth officially inaugurated the 23rd Sports Gala at the University of Sargodha (UoS) during a vibrant opening ceremony held on campus.
The event was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaiser Abbas, Chairman of the Punjab Education Foundation Malik Shoaib Awan, Chairman Zakat and Ushr Committee Punjab Rana Munawar Ghous, and Pakistan Muslim League-N MPA Mian Ikram-ul-Haq, along with university faculty and a large number of students.
Teams from 34 departments are participating in various sports competitions throughout the week-long gala, showcasing talent and fostering healthy competition among students.
The opening ceremony featured colourful cultural performances, including a traditional horse dance, a performance by the police band, and a spirited ‘kabaddi’ match between faculty members.
In his address, Minister Sohaib Bherth underscored the importance of upholding traditional values such as respect for teachers and parents, which he said are essential for success in all walks of life. He highlighted the role of sports in promoting teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Highlighting the Chief Minister’s ‘Khelta Punjab’ initiative, he noted its positive impact on encouraging youth to engage in constructive activities and demonstrate their talents.
“The vision of the current government is to empower our youth through books and laptops, not through violence,” the minister said. He also announced that merit-based scholarships and laptops were being distributed across Punjab to support students academically.
However, the timing of the Sports Gala sparked concerns among students and parents. Speaking to the media, several parents noted that the event coincided with ongoing examinations, causing stress among students who struggled to juggle academic commitments with participation and mandatory attendance at the gala.
They urged the university administrators to align extracurricular activities with the academic calendar to avoid such scheduling conflicts in the future.
Despite the concerns, the event continued with zeal and enthusiasm, aiming to promote a culture of physical wellness, teamwork, and national pride among the youth.