RAWALPINDI: The annual inter-departmental sports competitions began at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) in a festive manner and students participated in various sports activities.

The purpose of these competitions is to encourage students to take part in healthy extracurricular activities.

The martial arts performance was the highlight of the opening ceremony. Techniques of martial arts were impressively displayed by students.

Members of faculty and staff along with students participated in various sports and displayed remarkable skill in physical and mental suppleness.

Chief guest of the occasion, FJWU Additional Registrar Prof Humayun Iqbal appreciated efforts of the sports department for organising the event and assured full support towards promoting physical educational activities in the institution.

Sports and co-curricular activities are as important as academics for the overall grooming and personality development of students, he said, adding developmental work at sports complex is almost finished and soon it will be open for students.

He appreciated students who participated in Taekwondo in the opening ceremony.

FJWU Vice Chancellor Dr Saima Hamid said the university was working towards promoting higher education among Pakistani women.

Talking about women’s participation in sports, she said sports facilities in Pakistan were not exemplary but FJWU was providing facilities such as access to latest sports equipment and professional coaches.

Such competitions are regularly held at the university to give students a platform to show off their energy, talent and potential, she added.

The competitions will continue till March 20 at the university’s premises.

Several games including table tennis, cricket, squash, athletics and tug of war will be included in the competition this year. Students of the university are taking part in the competition with full enthusiasm.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2020