St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru organized its Annual Athletic Meet, “Go for Gold – 2026,” on Tuesday, 07 April 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the college grounds. The event was organized by the Department of Physical Education and the Wellness & Sports Group.
Mr. Mohit Kamat, former International Badminton player and Co-founder & CEO of Baddyzone Sports Club, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The dignitaries present included Rev. Fr. Wilfred Prakash D’Souza (Director), Dr. Rio D’Souza (Principal), Dr. K. Jyothi (Dean – Student Welfare), Ms. Priya Miranda (Chairperson – Sports & Wellness Group), Mr. Chitharanjan (Convener), Ms. Himani Kishan Raj (Co-Convener), and Ms. Vaneesha V. Rodrigues (Physical Education Director).
The programme commenced with a vibrant and enthusiastic March Past by over 2000 students, dressed in colorful class jerseys, marching to the rhythm of the band. The march was led by distinguished student athletes, including Mr. Suhan R. Rao (Weightlifting), Ms. Thanvi S. (Cross Country), Ms. Dhrathi (Football), Mr. Yogesh Anandappa Chabbi (Kho-Kho), and Ms. Dakshayini (Wrestling), all VTU Blues, proudly carrying the college flag. Students from MBA, MCA, and BE programs participated in the march past.
The invocation was led by the college choir. Dr. K. Jyothi welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest hoisted the college flag, followed by the torch ceremony led by outstanding VTU Blue athletes from various sports disciplines. The torch was handed over to the Chief Guest, who officially declared the meet open. The dignitaries released pigeons to mark the inauguration.
In his address, Mr. Mohit Kamat emphasized the importance of sports for fitness, personal growth, and career opportunities, encouraging students to actively engage in sports activities.
Ms. Trivia Creda Veigas (III Year CSE), a VTU Blue in Shuttle Badminton and Best Woman Player at the VTU State Level Shuttle Badminton Tournament 2025–26, was specially recognized.
The inaugural programme was compered by Mr. Joel D’Mello and Ms. Florence Nishmitha, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Himani Kishan Raj.
The day witnessed a wide range of athletic events for students, including track events (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m), field events (long jump and shot put), and relays for both men and women.
Various games conducted during the odd semester included Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Throwball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Cricket, Kabaddi, and more, ensuring broad participation across disciplines.
Special events were also organized for teaching staff, featuring races, fun games such as lemon-and-spoon, basketball throw, badminton, throwball, and carrom. Housekeeping staff enthusiastically participated in customized events such as lemon-and-spoon races and basketball throw under different age categories.
Tug of War competitions were held for students and staff (men and women), while Flash Drill performances were conducted by both students and staff, adding to the excitement of the event.
The meet concluded with a grand closing ceremony, where Dr. Sudheer M., Dean Academics, was the Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by Rev. Fr. Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, Dr. Rio D’Souza, Dr. K. Jyothi, Ms. Priya Miranda, Mr. Chitharanjan, Ms. Himani Kishan Raj, and Ms. Vaneesha V. Rodrigues.
In his address, Dr. Sudheer M. highlighted the remarkable achievement of the college in securing 26 VTU Blues during the Silver Jubilee year and encouraged students to remain ambitious and resilient.
As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, two distinguished alumni sports achievers Mr Hrithik Chand Wrestling, Powerlifting and Weightlifting Champion Mr Akash Shetty Represented India at the Stand-Up Paddle World Championship and National-level Basketball Player were honored during the ceremony.
The prize distribution was conducted by the dignitaries, with the winners announced by Ms. Priya Miranda. The college flag was lowered, officially marking the closure of the meet. The event concluded with the National Anthem.
Overall, “Go for Gold – 2026” was a grand success, marked by enthusiastic participation, spirited competition, and a celebration of sportsmanship.
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