The annual South Zone Inter University Women’s Badminton began at Vellore Institute of Technology have begun. Kondi Mani, Charge d 'Affaires, Embassy of Togo, inaugurated the tournament that will be held over five days. CA Bhavani Devi, winner of the Gold Medal for fencing at the Commonwealth Games, was the guest of honour.
More than 400 players from 82 universities from all over South India are taking part in the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, Mani said that the two countries had great ties with each other and wished students to perform to the best of their abilities and earn laurels for their excellent performance.
Bhavani Devi, who won the Gold in Fencing at the Commonwealth Games held in Sydney, hoisted the tournament flag and said that women athletes were being laurels to the country, when once upon a time, they were only looked at as being decorative objects. For women to take part in sports and games and to excel, it required the support of the family and society. She said that it was important for women athletes to possess a burning desire to excel and win in whichever sports they take up. Bhavani Devi said that athletes could win only if they practice very hard every day and added that she was an example. “The Government had made arrangements for funds and has also created the necessary sports infrastructure and young athletes should make proper use of these facilities, practice well and win in tournaments,” she said.
S Narayanan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, hoisted the tournament flag and formally declared open the tournament. He also handed over mementoes to the guests who took part in the inaugural function. The first four teams in the South Zone Inter University Tournament will be taking part in the All India Women's Badminton Tournament, to be held at VIT from December 10, 2018.
Sixteen teams from North, East, West and South will be competing in the four-day tournament.