Prestigious Regional Championship Kickstarts in Bilaspur
The East Zone Inter-University Women’s Kabaddi Tournament 2026–27 officially commenced on October 6, 2026, at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGV) in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Organized under the aegis of the Department of Physical Education, Yoga and Sports Science, the four-day athletic spectacle brings together top female student-athletes from across eastern India.
The tournament was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, at the Central University’s newly constructed Sports Complex. Accreditated with an A++ grade by NAAC, GGV continues to serve as a major hub for higher education and sports development in the region.
Distinguished sports personalities joined university administrators to motivate the participating contingents. Former Indian Test cricketer Mr. Rajesh Chauhan and international hockey player Mrs. Renuka Yadav, who represented the Indian Women’s Hockey Team at the Rio Olympics, graced the opening ceremony as special guests.
| Event Details | Key Program Metrics |
| Tournament Title | East Zone Inter-University Women’s Kabaddi Tournament 2026–27 |
| Organizing Department | Dept. of Physical Education, Yoga and Sports Science, GGV |
| Host Institution | Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A++ NAAC Accredited Central University) |
| Event Schedule | October 6, 2026 – October 9, 2026 |
| Primary Venue | Newly Constructed Sports Complex, GGV Campus, Bilaspur |
| Chief Guest & Presiding Officer | Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal (Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor) |
Chief Guests Inspire Female Athletes at Opening Ceremony
Addressing the players during the inaugural session, former Test cricketer Rajesh Chauhan emphasized that natural talent alone cannot guarantee success on the sporting field. He noted that sustained performance requires unwavering discipline, rigorous practice, deep commitment, and hard work.
Chauhan highlighted the Central Government’s substantial investments in modern sports infrastructure, elite athlete training programs, and talent development initiatives nationwide. He urged the young athletes to remain dedicated to their chosen sports discipline while striving for continuous personal improvement.
International hockey player Renuka Yadav shared her experiences from global competitions with the players. She noted that sports extend beyond mere victory and defeat, serving as a powerful platform to build life direction and character. Yadav encouraged the female competitors to push their limits and bring honor to their respective academic institutions and states.
| Guest Speaker | Key Message to Student Athletes |
| Mr. Rajesh Chauhan (Former Indian Test Cricketer) | Success demands hard work, discipline, and regular practice over raw talent alone. |
| Mrs. Renuka Yadav (Rio Olympian, Indian Women’s Hockey) | Sports provide life direction; players must move forward with confidence and pride. |
| Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal (Vice-Chancellor, GGV) | Sports build character and resilience; victory yields success while defeat provides learning. |
Vice-Chancellor Highlights University Focus on Sports Infrastructure
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal welcomed the chief guests and expressed gratitude for their presence on campus. He stated that the visits of national and international sporting icons provide immense inspiration to young university athletes.
Prof. Chakrawal observed that participation in athletic activities maintains physical fitness while instilling essential values like leadership, team spirit, self-confidence, and a positive mindset. He stated that in sports, no player truly fails because winning delivers success while losing offers valuable lessons.
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He reiterated that Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya is committed to expanding its physical sports infrastructure. The newly constructed Sports Complex stands as a testament to the university’s mission of fostering competitive sports alongside academic excellence.
Seamless Operational Arrangements for Visiting Teams
Prof. Ratnesh Singh, Secretary of the Organising Committee, welcomed the assembled guests and outlined the operational arrangements for the championship. He confirmed that comprehensive facilities regarding lodging, boarding, practice sessions, and transportation have been deployed for all visiting teams and official support staff.
The dignitaries were honored on stage with traditional stoles, flower bouquets, and commemorative mementoes. Following the formal honors, the official oath of sportsmanship was administered to all participating team captains.
| Organizational Pillar | Operational Provisions Delivered |
| Team Accommodations | Secure lodging arranged within university residential facilities |
| Dietary Logistics | Customized, nutritious meals provided to all athlete contingents |
| Practice Facilities | Dedicated practice courts and warm-up areas assigned at the Sports Complex |
| Officiating & Governance | Certified national referees and technical officials assigned to all fixtures |
Energetic Start to Four-Day Regional Kabaddi Championship
Following the formal sportsmanship oath, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chakrawal declared the tournament officially open. Guests and dignitaries stepped onto the court to interact with team captains and match officials ahead of the opening fixtures.
The grand opening ceremony witnessed strong participation from across the university community. Deans of various schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, university administrative officers, and hundreds of enthusiastic students gathered to support the athletes.
As the East Zone Inter-University Women’s Kabaddi Tournament progresses through its four-day schedule, participating teams will compete for top honors and qualify for the All India Inter-University Championship stage.