Boxer Shiva Thapa Inaugurates RGNUL’s Sports Fest Zelus’ 18

Zelus’ 18, a 3-day sports festival of the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), started with the inaugural ceremony on the campus on Thursday.

Arjuna awardee and Rio-Olympic qualifier boxer Shiva Thapa was the chief guest on the occasion. Professor (Dr) Paramjit S Jaswal, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL; Professor (Dr) GIS Sandhu, Registrar, RGNUL and Professor (Dr) Anand Pawar, Dean and Head Sports Committee, RGNUL were also present on the occasion.

Professor (Dr) Paramjit S Jaswal, in his welcome address, congratulated Thapa for the various achievements in his sporting career. He eulogized the efforts of the students, sports committee, staff and faculty for organizing the sports festival. He talked about the importance of sports in the life of students. He observed that sports inculcate values of discipline, companionship, cooperation and team spirit in the players. Professor Jaswal said, “Sports have taken a back seat in the technologically developed world. Zelus’ 18 is an endeavour to encourage young students to participate in different in sports.”

He further remarked that for a sound mind and for physical fitness one must participate in the sports events. “A healthy mind,” he said, “enables a person to perform better in studies and profession.” He exhorted the sportsmen to refrain from the vices of drinking, smoking and drug abuse.

Shiva Thapa, in his address, talked about the importance of sports in life. He observed, “Sports keep a person physically and mentally fit.” He recounted his journey as a boxer. He said that diligence, dedication and perseverance lead to victory. He advised the students to believe in themselves and to learn from their defeats to achieve success in life.

Professor (Dr) GIS Sandhu, Registrar, RGNUL, extended a vote of thanks. Eleven teams from different parts of the country would be competing for athletics, tennis, football, basketball, cricket, table tennis and volleyball in the coming days.