The Department of Physical Education & Sports, University of Hyderabad, successfully organized the Annual Sports Day Celebrations 2025–26 on 09 May 2026 at the DST Auditorium, University of Hyderabad. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, staff, sports coordinators, volunteers, and members of the University community, with over 350 attendees present during the valedictory function.
The program was presided over by Prof. G. Padmaja, Dean of Students’ Welfare. Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar, University of Hyderabad, attended the event as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour included Prof. Naresh Annem, Deputy Dean of Students’ Welfare, and Dr. Aliba, Deputy Dean of Students’ Welfare. Dr. Anjaneya Swamy, former In-charge of the Department of Physical Education & Sports, attended as the Special Invitee. Dr. Siddhartha Anandesi, Assistant Director, Department of Physical Education & Sports, served as the Program Organising Secretary, while Mr. Jwala Prasad, Sports Secretary, coordinated student participation and sports activities throughout the Annual Sports Fest.
The program commenced with welcoming the dignitaries onto the dais followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Siddhartha Anandesi presented the Annual Sports Report for the academic year 2025–26, highlighting the achievements and initiatives undertaken by the Department of Physical Education & Sports during the year.
The report highlighted that the department successfully conducted more than 80 sporting events for students, faculty, and staff members, including inter-school tournaments, athletics competitions, individual championships, recreational activities, wellness programs, and fitness initiatives. More than 2500 participants actively participated in various sporting events conducted throughout the academic year, reflecting the vibrant sports culture of the University of Hyderabad.
The department also reported active participation of University students in All India Inter-University and South Zone Inter-University tournaments in disciplines including Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shuttle Badminton, Cricket, Athletics, and Cross Country. A total of 111 student athletes represented the University across 11 teams in all India and South zonal level competitions.
The Annual Report further highlighted major wellness and outreach activities conducted during the year, including the celebration of the 11th International Yoga Day on 21 June 2025, Cyclothon and Walkathon events during Independence Day celebrations, Fit India initiatives, yoga and Sahaja Yoga awareness programs, Women’s Wellness Run, SBI Green Marathon participation, and various fitness and wellness activities conducted for the University community.
Special emphasis was given to the increasing utilization of the University Gymnasium and Fitness Infrastructure facilities by students, faculty, and staff members on a daily basis under the supervision of trained fitness instructors. The department reiterated its commitment towards promoting physical fitness, mental wellness, and holistic development through sports and yoga activities.
Mr. Jwala Prasad, Sports Secretary, shared feedback on behalf of the students and appreciated the Department for providing inclusive sporting opportunities and encouraging greater participation among the student community.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Aliba, Deputy DSW, emphasized that participation is more important than winning and congratulated all the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm towards sports and fitness activities.
Prof. Naresh Annem, Deputy DSW, highlighted that “Age is just a number” and encouraged faculty, staff, and students to integrate sports and physical activities into their daily lives irrespective of age.
Dr. Anjaneya Swamy, former In-charge of PES, shared his experiences during his tenure and congratulated the Department for successfully organizing the Annual Sports Fest. He appreciated the sincere efforts of Dr. Siddhartha Anandesi and expressed confidence that the Department would reach greater heights in the coming years.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar, University of Hyderabad, emphasized the importance of physical education and sports in achieving holistic health and well-being. He appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Department, especially yoga and Sahaja Yoga programs, and expressed happiness over the growing utilization of sports and fitness infrastructure by the University community. He mentioned that despite busy schedules, physical activity should be part of everyone’s lifestyle and stated that he himself would actively participate in fitness activities. He further informed that additional sports infrastructure development is being planned for the University and congratulated the Department for conducting impactful sports and wellness programs for the UoH community.
In her Presidential Remarks, Prof. G. Padmaja, Dean of Students’ Welfare, highlighted that physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being can be achieved through active participation in sports and wellness activities. She congratulated all participants of the Annual Sports Programs and appreciated the efforts of the PES staff, volunteers, faculty coordinators, and student coordinators for successfully conducting the events. She encouraged students, faculty, and staff members to actively participate in sports, gymnasium activities, yoga, and fitness programs to maintain a healthy and stress-free lifestyle.
During the program, volunteers and coordinators were felicitated with certificates and T-shirts. Inter-University participation certificates were distributed to student athletes, and more than 700 medals, certificates, and T-Shirts (T-shirts – SBI Sponsored) were awarded to students, faculty, and staff participants across various sporting disciplines.
The Individual Women Champion title was awarded to Snetha Lakshmi (IMA), while Sai Charan, IMA-Telugu, secured the Individual Men Champion title. In the Inter-School Championship category, the School of Sociology won the Overall Men’s Championship Trophy, while the Centre for Integrated Studies secured the Women’s Championship Trophy. The awards and trophies were presented by the dignitaries on the dais.
The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Siddhartha Anandesi, Assistant Director, Department of Physical Education & Sports, who expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Officer, Dean of Students’ Welfare, University authorities, sponsors, invited dignitaries, faculty members, staff, volunteers, coordinators, and students for their continuous support and cooperation in making the Annual Sports Day Celebrations 2025–26 a grand success.