Mangalore : The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) New Delhi has entrusted the responsibility of organizing the prestigious 72nd All India Inter University Athletic Championship (Men and Women) for the year 2011-2012 which consists of 368 Universities to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health SCIENCES, Karnataka, Bangalore and will be hosting the meet from Dec 17 to 21 at Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri.

Speaking at the press meet held at Hotel Moti Mahal on December 16, Friday Dr Sriprakash K S, Honourable Vice Chancellor of RGUHS, Bangalore said that 151 Universities affiliated to Association of Indian Universities have confirmed their participation and 2458 (Men and Women), 400 team officials and 300 technical officials will be participating in this 22 Mega Event.

He also said that Rajiv Gandhi University of health Sciences is the first ‘Health Science University’ in the country to conduct the All India Inter University Athletic Championship. It is also for the first time that the All India Inter – University Athletic Meet is conducting in the Mafusal place in the state.

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda will inaugurate the meet on December 17, 2011 at 4.30 followed by colourful cultural programme. S A Ramadas, Minister for medical education and Pro chancellor of RGHUS, will be the chief guest and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Dr G Parameshwar, MLA K Abhayachandra Jain and MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik will grace the occasion under the presidentship of Dr Sriprakash K S, Honourable Vice Chancellor of RGUHS.

Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation said that the sports torch will be carried in a procession from the Hanuman temple to Swarajya maidan at 3 pm. Many art troupes and tableaux will take part in the procession. A march-past will be held at 4-30 pm and inaugural programme will go on up to 6-30 pm.

 He said that Registration has already begun. Contingents from Calicut University, who were the overall champions of last year and Guru Nanak Dev university of Amritsar who were women champions, have already arrived. Track marking on the ground is in its final stages.

Some of the cream and upcoming athletes of the country namely MV Poovamma Olympian of Mangalore University, Titu Luka, National record holder in 800 mts of Calicut University, Rebbaco Jose, Youth Common Wealth Games, Medalist of Bangalore University, Kyathi AIU Record holder in Pole Vault and probable for London Olympics of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka.

On Dec 21 the curtain will be come down with the closing ceremony scheduled at 3.30 pm Dr V S Acharya, minister for Higher education will be the chief guest along with District In charge Krishna J Palemar, will be the guest of honour and Dr Sriprakash K S will preside over the event.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences at Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri to look to the comfort of honoured Athletes, officials, guests and VIP’S at Moodbidri. Transport arrangement has been made to pick the althletes at Mangalore Railway Station, Bus Stand and Air Port. There will be team mangaers meet on Dec 16th at 4pm.

Ramanand Shetty, former vice chancellor of RGHUS, Dr Prem Kumar, registrar of the university, Ms Irene, Dr Jayakar Shetty and PV Abhilash were present at the press meet.