Moodbidri : The 72nd All India Inter University Athletic Championship organized by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) commenced at Swarajya Maidan, Moodubidri on Dec 17, Saturday evening.

Dr. Shriprakash, the vice chancellor of RGUHS, inaugurated the 5-day event by releasing balloons into the air.

The qualifying round had commenced in the morning. Internationally acclaimed athletes such as Jamaluddin, M. V. Poovamma, Joylin Lobo, Basavaraj Horatti, and others carried a sports torch from Hanuman Temple to Swarjya Maidan in a grand procession. The procession displayed the showcased the cultural greatness of our region, with lambanis, huli veshas, keelu kudures, veeragases, chende teams, and others.

K. S. Ashok, the athlete, presented the torch to K. M. Binu, the Arjuna award winner. The athletes representing 151 universities all over India participated in the march past.

Over 2,500 athletes are participating in the meet. Kathy Vakaria, a student of Bangalore Medical College and a pole vault record holder, received the oath on behalf of all the participants.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLC Captain Ganesh Karnik, MLA Abhayachandra Jain, Alva’s Foundation Chairman Dr. Mohan Alva, and others were also present.