Sonipat, Haryana, India: Over 1000 students from 25 institutions across the country recently took part in ‘Magnus-2016’, the 4th annual national sports tournament of O.P. Jindal Global University. Students from different parts of the nation, ranging from the Deccan plateau of Hyderabad to the dazzling forts of Jodhpur competed for victory across 12 different games at the mega sports extravaganza. The unique sporting event was organized from March 11-13, 2016 at the university’s sprawling grounds.
Magnus-2016 kicked off to a fabulous start with the opening ceremony being graced by Arjuna awardee, Anup Kumar, Captain of the U-Mumba Pro Kabaddi League team. Delivering the opening address of the event, the kabaddi icon, said, “I am proud to endorse the nation’s badge on my jersey and represent the country in tournaments across the globe. The honor and pride of being a sportsman and the satisfaction of being able to inspire millions, is truly incomparable.”
Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy, Registrar, JGU, welcomed Mr. Anup Kumar and the participating teams to the JGU campus and emphasized the university’s strong commitment to promoting games and athletics amongst students.
An innovative three-dimensional video mapping technique used for releasing the official event video made for an awe-inspiring beginning for the event.
Day one of the tournament saw the big guns going all blazing at each other, as the A teams of the university took to the field to show what they are made up off. There were a lot of close encounters, beginning with the girls basketball match played by the host against Ashoka University, with the former triumphing and the volleyball match played between the B team of Jindal University v. SRM saw the players fight it out till the last point.
The second day also witnessed the university’s volleyball titans missing out their fourth gold in a close knitted match against AIL Mohali. But the disappointment was soon overcome as the Men’s and Women’s Football and Basketball team and the Women’s Volleyball, Tennis, Badminton and Throw ball team added multiple gold medals to the kitty of the home team.
Although the tournament was hit by heavy rains it did not dampen the spirits of the participants. Sportsmen in the field showed a lot of promise, talent and spirit throughout the tournament.
The Overall Champions Trophy was won by the hosts (JGU) but as a special gesture, the Vice Chancellor presented the trophy to the second best contingent i.e. AIL Mohali.
Addressing the medal winners at the prize distribution ceremony, Prof. (Dr.) C Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, JGU, appreciated the efforts of all sportsmen and hailed the games as the true display of sportsman spirit. He further acknowledged the hard work of sports committee members and all volunteers of JGU in organizing the magnificent tournament.
A total of 31 nail biting matches were played amongst the best youth sports teams of the country during the three-day event. For photos of the tournament please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jindalmagnus and look for Magnus-2016 photo albums.
Players from all over the country were able to take back memories ranging from gritty encounters to an awe-striking campus culture and environment to mouthwatering delicacies, all packed in a three-day sports bonanza.
Dr. Varun Nijhawan concluded the ceremony by extending his appreciation to all the sponsors and participants. The prize distribution ceremony was followed by a “Star Night”, at the JGU campus which saw everyone dance to the tune of the best DJ’s in the country.
