Mangaluru: “Sports develops a sense of friendship, unity and team spirit. Sports shapes body language, enhances mental and physical maturity, fitness etc and contributes to the alround development of personality. More importantly, it teaches us how to face defeat and transform them into memorable triumphs,” said Dr B R Ravikanthe Gowda IPS, superintendent of police here.

He addressed the students of Expert PU College, Valachil after inaugurating the much awaited annual sports meet in a frolicsome atmosphere at Expert Pre-University College, Time Square ground, Valachil, here. He said, "Hard work coupled with perseverance is the integral part of the journey toward the accomplishment of our goal. He opined that there should not be any limit to one’s achievement; rather, its range should be always expanding. People who face even failures with courage and a sportsman spirit make their lives sublime and leave behind their footprints in the sands of time."

Earlier there was a spectacular display of march past with precision and perfect synchronization by the students from the four houses Arkavathi, Hemavathi, Nethravathi and Sharavati.

Prof Narendra L Nayak, chairman of Expert Group of Institutions presided over the function. Trustee Ustaad Rafeeq Khan, Ankush N Nayak, director Information Technology, principal Dr N K Vijayan Karippal and vice principal Raghavendra Shenoy were present on the occasion.

Jaikishan S, sports secretary accorded a warm welcome to the dignitaries. Anukha Nayana Gowda, sports captain- girls, led the march past. Prasad Prabhu, president of Students’ Council proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was anchored by Jasmine Prathibha from the department of English. Later, the students participated in various sports and games.

The valedictory function was held in the evening with B Venugopal- managing director, LIC of India as chief guest and Susheel Kumar T C– zonal manager, South Central Zone, LIC of India as guest of honour. The winners of various events and champions were awarded with prizes. Speaking on the occasion the chief guest B Venugopal said, "Sports and games help us to burst the stress and teach us to respect fellow competitors." He called upon the students to be good human beings besides becoming talented professionals and gaining name and fame.

The chairman Prof Narendra L Nayak presided over the function and congratulated all the winners and participants in sports and games. Ankush N Nayak- director Information Technology, Principal Dr N K Vijayan Karippal, officials from LIC were present on the occasion. Balakrishna Shetty A, HOD of Chemistry proposed the vote of thanks and Dr NarayanaKudva N lecturer in chemistry welcomed and compered the programme.