India, a nation of youth, envisions a developed future fueled by their potential. In this journey, sports and athletes play a pivotal role. College life is where athletes develop essential qualities such as mental resilience, physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship. Events like the Vishwanath Sports Meet (VSM) provide a platform for athletes to grow, emphasised Maharashtra’s Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Dattatray Bharane, during the inauguration of the state-level inter-collegiate and inter-university sports competition at MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune.
Dignitaries present included Prof Dr Vishwanath Karad, Founder of the MAEER MIT Education Group; Olympic medalist and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee Anjali Bhagwat; Arjuna Awardee para-athlete Sachin Khilare, a silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympics; Prof Dr Mangesh Karad, Executive President of MIT-ADT University; Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rajesh S; Executive Director Dr Sunita Karad; Pro-Vice-Chancellors Dr Ramchandra Pujeri and Dr Mohit Dubey; Registrar Dr Mahesh Chopade; and Director of Sports Prof Padmakar Phad, among others.
Minister Bharane lauded India’s “golden age of sports,” noting the shift in parental attitudes that now encourage sports as a career. He praised MIT-ADT’s world-class sports facilities and emphasised the importance of events like VSM in fostering talent from both urban and rural areas.
Encouragement from prominent athletes
Khilare shared his inspiring journey, highlighting the importance of consistency in sports. “After earning an engineering degree, I chose to focus on sports, which led me to win a medal in shot put at the Paris Paralympics—a feat India hadn’t achieved in 40 years,” he said, urging students to persevere in their athletic pursuits.
Bhagwat encouraged students to enjoy sports and make career decisions based on self-reflection. “Representing the country on the podium and hearing the national anthem is an unparalleled experience,” she shared, praising MIT-ADT’s commitment to promoting sports culture.
Sports as a medium of peace and growth
Vishwanath Karad emphasised the holistic benefits of sports, stating, “Sports not only ensure physical and mental well-being but also teach resilience and foster peace globally.” His address captivated the audience with its profound insights.
The event began with a prayer for world peace, a flag-raising ceremony, and a salute by the university’s cadets. The day concluded with the national anthem, marking the start of a vibrant series of competitions, including football matches.
