Udupi: “In today’s world we emphasize more on the important role of academics rather physical education. If one gives equal importance to both, then it can be regarded as a wholesome education”, said the Bishop of Udupi Diocese and the President of Catholic Education Society of Updpi Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, during the inauguration of the State Level Table Tennis Tournament.

In his address, he said that in 1940, an American woman named Wilma Rudolf had lost both her legs due to polio. Even though she had lost her pair of legs, through her sheer determination, efforts and interest, she had won the Summer Olympics of 1956, ending with three gold medals.

He added by saying, “This extraordinary achievement had made her a role model to other sportsmen in the country, due to which America is observed to have been achieving the most number of medals in the Olympics. This is a lesson to all portraying that, the interest, efforts, and concentration towards achieving a milestone in the sports field is possible, as success can be achieved under any circumstances and in any game”

The State Level Table Tennis Tournament was organized by the District Administration, in association with Zilla Panchayat, Department of Public Education, Joint Director’s office of Udupi District, Department of Block Education office of Brahmavara and Milagres English Medium School, Kallianpur.

A prayer service was conducted by the students of Milagres English Medium School. Principal, Milagres English Medium School, Rev Fr. Lancy Fernandes welcome the gathering.

Director, District Physical Education, Madhukar S, gave a keynote address and spoke about the procedures to qualify for the National Level Tournament and as a mark of gratitude, thanked the Milagres English Medium School and its management for the tremendous support in conducting the tournament.

MLA Raghupathy Bhat, who is also the Vice President of the State Badminton Association said, “In future, there would be an era of sports in the country. every state government and the government at the centre provides plenty of opportunities to the sportsmen of our country.”

“For a politician too there are opportunities to win the elections, which can be associated with sports, Without the efforts and homework, no politician can win the race. Destiny too plays an important role. When it comes to sportsmen, efforts and hard work are the keys to success, where medals can be achieved only through them. Because of the efforts putforth by the educational institutions, there is a wide scope for the emerging sportsmen to build a stronger future in sports”, he added.

He also said that some of the universities have come forward to provide degrees without academics, which is a sign of change and entry of a good era with bright sports future.

Meanwhile, he appreciated the management and school for organizing the tournament and their contribution to showcase the talents of Udupi students among other 34 district teams of the state. He said that the Milagres school has brought name and fame to the district.

Award winner of the Commonwealth Games 2010, Abhishek, was invited as a special invitee and guest of honour. He was felicitated during the occasion.

ZP Vice President, Sheela K Shetty, Udupi Taluk Panchayat President, Nalini Pradeep Rao, President of Kallianpur Gram Panchayat, Pushpa Kotian and the Correspondent of Milagres Educational Institutions and the Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Udupi Diocese, Very Rev Dr. Lawrence C D’Souza, spoke during the occasion.

Member of ZP, Udupi, Janardhan Thonse, presided over the inaugural programme and gave his presidential speech.

Sathish Shetty compered the programme. DDPI, Bhujanga Shetty Taluk Physical Educational Officer, Sheshashayana Karinji, Udupi district Physical Teachers’ Association President Chandra Shekar Shetty, General Secretary Sudharshan Nayak, Chief Referee Ashwin, Milagres Parish Pastoral Council Secretary Felciana Lewis and others were present on the dais.

After the stage programme, the state level table tennis tournament was inaugurated by Abishek by pressing the button of a water fountain.

Prior to the inauguration, a huge rally by the participants of the game from 34 districts was held from Santhekatte junction to the location of the tournament at Milagres Tri-Centenary Hall which was flagged off by DDPI Sheshashayana Karinji.

During the rally along brass band students, tableau and various brass band and drums were on display. Under the efforts by Steevan Pinto, Vincent Mascarenhas and Vinay Shet, the host of the tournament, Milagres English School, Kallianpur is said to leap into success.

Around 600 people including students, coaches, are said to participate in the tournament.