Four-day Neeru Memorial Annual Sports Meet ‘Spardha-2026’ inaugurated at KD Singh Babu Stadium; outstanding players honoured with Neeru Memorial Khel Ratna Awards
Lucknow: Sports competitions play an essential role in the holistic development of students and in building a strong nation, Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said on Sunday while inaugurating the four-day Neeru Memorial Annual Sports Meet ‘Spardha-2026’, organised by St Joseph Group of Institutions at KD Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow.
The opening ceremony featured an impressive march-past, performances by pipe and brass bands and colourful cultural presentations. Upadhyay attended as the chief guest, while Member of the Legislative Council Umesh Dwivedi was the special guest. The dignitaries formally inaugurated the sporting event by lighting the ceremonial torch and releasing white pigeons and colourful balloons.
Addressing the gathering, Upadhyay said academic education must be complemented by sports activities to ensure the all-round development of students. Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s vision of building a powerful India through sports, he said sporting activities strengthen young people physically and mentally while developing teamwork, discipline and determination.
He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of ‘Khelo India, Khilega India’, saying it had given fresh momentum to the country’s sporting culture. Indian athletes, he added, were increasingly winning medals at international competitions and bringing recognition to the nation.
Appreciating the students’ disciplined march-past and band performances, the minister said participation with true sportsmanship was more important than victory or defeat. Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s inspirational lines, ‘Haar nahi manunga, raar nahi thanunga’, he encouraged participants who did not succeed to remain motivated and make fresh efforts.
Upadhyay also appreciated the educational contribution of St Joseph Group and extended his best wishes for the proposed Gyan Shila University, which is under construction. The university is being established by Neeru Memorial Society with the inspiration of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and support from the Uttar Pradesh government.
During the ceremony, the chief guest presented the Neeru Memorial Khel Ratna Awards 2026 to three outstanding sportspersons: Prisha Gupta from the Sitapur Road branch, Ayushi Singh from the Ruchikhand branch and Gaurav Saroj from the Rajajipuram branch.
St Joseph Group Founder and Chairperson Dr Pushpalata Agrawal congratulated the participants and said sports promote physical fitness, mental well-being, balance and positive energy in life.
On the opening day, Rajajipuram branch registered a victory over the Ruchikhand branch in a thrilling cricket league match. Rajajipuram scored 102 runs for seven wickets to secure the win, with Aarav delivering an impressive bowling performance by claiming four wickets.
Young athletes from the Sitapur Road branch also impressed spectators with their performances in the 50-metre race in the pre-sub-junior category.
The event was attended by St Joseph Group Managing Director Anil Agrawal, Director Namrata Agrawal, Joint Director Srijan Agrawal, Squadron Leader Rakhi Agrawal, principals and teachers from various branches, along with a large number of parents and distinguished guests.
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