Panjab University (PU) is set to introduce inter-zonal sports meets for its affiliated colleges in Punjab, aiming to address persistently low participation in inter-college championships. The Directorate of Sports announced the initiative, which will divide the state into three zones: Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, and Fazilka (Abohar). Zonal tournaments will be organized to encourage broader engagement across sporting events.
New Structure to Boost Participation
Under the restructured program, the top eight performers in individual events and the top four teams in team sports from inter-zonal competitions will qualify for the university-level inter-college championships. Colleges affiliated with PU in Chandigarh will not be included in these zonal tournaments. The revised schedule will take effect from the current academic session.
The decision comes as inter-college tournaments have seen dwindling numbers. In some sports, participation has fallen below 12 athletes, and in certain events, it has dropped to single digits. PU has over 200 affiliated colleges across Chandigarh and Punjab.
Motivation Behind the Change
Rakesh Malik, Director of the Directorate of Sports, Panjab University, explained the rationale. “The decision has been taken after consulting various principals and the Vice Chancellor of the university. The sole motive behind introducing a restructured programme is to ensure better participation in inter-college meets. The more the number of players, the better the competition. It will also help build a sporting culture in the university,” Malik said.
PU last won the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy in the 2020-21 session, before the award criteria were changed to favor the university with the overall top finish in the Khelo India University Games.
Challenges and Recent Actions
The university, which has produced international athletes and Olympians, has faced difficulties competing against private universities. Recently, PU disqualified 26 players across various disciplines from representing the institution in future events. This step aimed to discourage players from using the university’s platform for individual gains or from dropping out of main tournaments to play for other universities. The list included two table tennis players and four boxers.
Notably, 13 players from PU were found participating in inter-college events from Chandigarh while representing other universities at the All India Inter-University Championships.
