Panjab University has once again demonstrated its athletic prowess by clinching the title of overall champions at the third edition of the Khelo India University Games. The university secured a remarkable total of 69 medals, comprising 26 gold, 17 silver, and 26 bronze.
The final day of the games witnessed an impressive performance by Yash Ghangas, the reigning National Games champion, who captivated the crowd at BBD University in Lucknow. Ghangas showcased his skills in the men’s 100+kg category of judo, securing a gold medal for Chaudhary Bansi Lal University (CBLU). Mumbai University also made their mark with a gold in the women’s 78+kg judo event.
In the realm of traditional yogasana, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) excelled, claiming the top position in the men’s group competition held at the SAC hall of the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University campus in Varanasi. Chandigarh University (CU) and Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, also added to their glory by securing a gold medal each in weightlifting at GB University in Greater Noida, Gautambuddh Nagar.
Despite Guru Nanak Dev University’s (GNDU) clean sweep of gold medals in fencing, they were unable to dethrone the reigning champions from the inaugural edition of the Games.
In addition to these achievements, Panjab University’s outstanding performance throughout the competition allowed them to maintain their dominance in the medals tally. They secured an impressive total of 69 medals, including 26 gold, 17 silver, and 26 bronze. GNDU secured the second position, marking their first top-three finish, with 24 gold, 27 silver, and 17 bronze medals. Last year’s champions, Jain University from Karnataka, claimed the third spot with 16 gold, 10 silver, and six bronze medals.
The swimming events witnessed exceptional performances, with the most successful athletes of the Games emerging from this discipline. Siva Sridhar shone on the men’s side, accumulating a total of 11 medals, including eight golds. Shrungi Bandekar topped the women’s side, securing nine medals, including five golds.
Out of the 203 universities participating in the Games, an impressive 131 universities were able to secure medals for their achievements. The 12-day competition took place across four cities in Uttar Pradesh, namely Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Gautambuddh Nagar, with nine venues hosting the events. Additionally, the shooting competition was held in Delhi, while Gorakhpur hosted the debut of water sports.
Panjab University’s exceptional performance at the Khelo India University Games has once again highlighted their commitment to excellence in sports. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to athletes and universities across the nation.
