Belthangady: Under the leadership of Vidvath PU College, Guruvayanakere, in collaboration with the Belthangady Volleyball Association and with the support of the Lions Club Belthangady, a taluk-level floodlit volleyball tournament for men and invited women's teams was held at the Vidvath PU College grounds on January 4, 2025.
Among the four invited women's teams from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, the S.D.M. team from Ujire secured first place, while the Mangal Sports Club, Urva Store, claimed second place.
In the men's division, 22 teams from the taluk participated. Friends Ujire A team won first place, followed by RJ Friends in second place, Bajarangi Boys B team in third place, and Friends Ujire B team in fourth place.
Subhashchandra Shetty, President of Vidvath Education Foundation, presided over the event and remarked that sports, alongside academics, play a crucial role in inspiring children and aiding in their physical and mental growth. He emphasized that children must cultivate a sporting spirit. He also noted that, unlike many institutions that focus solely on competitive exams without providing opportunities for sports, Vidvath PU College offers a distinctive educational system that integrates both structured academics and sports, contributing to the overall development of students.
Chief guest Bharathi, President of Kuvettu Gram Panchayat, praised the initiatives of the Vidvath institution and wished for its continued growth to become a model educational institution.
Devadas Shetty, President of Lions Club Belthangady, highlighted that sports not only preserve children's health but also enhance their intellectual abilities. He expressed joy over the collaboration between Vidvath PU College, the Belthangady Taluk Volleyball Association, and the Lions Club.
Another chief guest, Rajasekhar Shetty, former director of the Coastal Development Authority, applauded Vidvath College for giving equal importance to academics and sports. He said that having such an institution in a rural area like Guruvayanakere is a blessing for children. He encouraged students to behave respectfully with elders and work towards achieving their dreams alongside quality education.
Kashinath K, Treasurer of Vidvath Education Foundation, delivered the welcome speech, while Yashwant Gowda Belalu, President of the Belthangady Taluk Volleyball Association, expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks.