The Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu Prof. Umesh Rai today inaugurated the prestigious All India Inter University Wushu Championship (M&W), marking the commencement of a five-day festival organized by the University’s Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated in the presence of Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research studies, Dr. Daud Iqbal Baba, Director, Sports & Physical Education, Dr. Mandeep Singh, Suhel Ahmed.

In his inaugural address, the Vice Chancellor extended a warm welcome to the participants and emphasized the profound significance of sports in personality development and career progression. He said that games are not just physical activities but integral parts of life, shaping not only individuals but also contributing to the development of society and the nation. Recognizing the pivotal role of academic institutions, he underscored their responsibility to channelize the energy of the youth in a productive manner .
Acknowledging the prioritization of games and sports by the Jammu and Kashmir Government under the leadership of the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor Mr Manoj Sinha, the Vice Chancellor commended the gigantic efforts aimed at transforming the youth into confident and disciplined workforce. He emphasized the abundance of talent in the youth and stressed the institutions' role in recognizing and promoting it so that the sports persons showcase their talent at the national and international events.
Appreciating the government's commitment to youth empowerment, Prof Rai referred to the establishment of one playfield in every panchayat and four thousand five hundred youth clubs with the aim to channelize the energy of youth towards progress and development. This will go a long way in promoting sports and sharpening the talent, he said and shared the University of Jammu's commitment to promoting sports. For this purpose, the University has formulated a sports policy, aligned with UT policy and National Education Policy. He informed that the University has allocated Rs 44 lakh for sports activities and necessary equipment.
The Vice Chancellor also appreciated the huge participation of the players and officials accompanying their teams from various Universities. He also unveiled the mascot of the Wushu Championship.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education for dedicated and relentless efforts in promoting sports and encouraging the varied and abundant talent in various disciplines of sports. He further added that the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu is organizing various Skill Development Workshops under the aegis of SIIEDC & funded by RUSA.
Prof. Rai, very enthusiastically accepted the proposal of organizing the Asian Championship in Wushu at University of Jammu as proposed by Mr. Suhel Ahmed. Chief Jury Member Wushu.
Suhel Ahmed, Chief Jury Member Wushu addressed the gathering with his remarkable words and congratulated the organizers for organizing this national level event. He lauded the efforts in management of the event. He further announced that the next Asian Championship in Wushu will be held at the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu if the University is willing to host.
Earlier, Dr. Daud Iqbal Baba, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu presented the formal welcome address and detailed report of the Championship. Dr. Baba said that the Association of Indian Universities has entrusted the responsibility to University of Jammu, for hosting the All India Inter University Wushu (Men & Women) Championship 2023-24 w.e.f. 13th to 17th February, 2024 in which more than 1400 players from 127 Universities across the Nation are participating.
He also emphasised that Sports and games impart a sense of discipline, fellow-feeling and togetherness. Sports and games are the right avenues to channelize the energy and vitality of students in a positive direction. He also promised that University of Jammu will be the front runner in nourishing the talent of the sportsperson who will ultimately make the Jammu as well the nation proud.