In a remarkable achievement, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has clinched the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the 25th time, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in sports excellence for the academic year 2022-23. This victory not only underscores the university’s dedication to sporting prowess but also signals a positive shift in reviving the sports culture in Punjab, a region grappling with the challenges posed by the drug menace.
The MAKA Trophy, instituted in 1956-57, is an annual accolade bestowed by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The evaluation process takes into account various factors, including the strength of sports programs, the number of national and international athletes, their accomplishments, and the quality of sports infrastructure.
Kanwar Mandeep Singh, the Sports Director of GNDU, emphasized the importance of expanding sports infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to engage 70% of the youth in physical activities. He noted, “Even if they don’t pursue specific sports, the aim should be to attain physical fitness, combating not only local issues but recognizing the global challenge.”
GNDU boasts an illustrious sporting legacy, having produced six Padma Shri awardees, 38 Arjuna awardees, two Dronacharya awardees, and 44 Maharaja Ranjit Singh awardees.
Sporting icons like Surinder Singh Sodhi (hockey) and Bishen Singh Bedi have emerged from this institution. The recent Arjuna awardees, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (shooting) and Prachi Yadav (para canoe champion), further exemplify the university’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent.
Highlighting GNDU’s international impact, athletes from the university secured an impressive 13 medals for India at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, last year.
Professor Jaspal Singh Sandhu, the Vice-Chancellor of GNDU, outlined the university’s dedication to supporting aspiring athletes. “We have reserved two seats in each course for sportspersons. We have established a flexible examination system to facilitate their training and tournament schedules,” he stated, underlining the institution’s commitment to balancing academics and sports.
GNDU’s triumph in securing the MAKA Trophy for the 25th time not only signifies sporting excellence but also serves as a beacon of hope for Punjab, encouraging a renewed focus on physical fitness and youth engagement, steering away from the shadows of the drug menace. As the university continues to pave the way for aspiring athletes, the future of sports in Punjab appears brighter than ever.
