Aligarh: The North Zone Inter-varsity Hockey (Men) Competition began at the Aligarh Muslim University with 36 teams from various universities participating in the fray.

The host team of Aligarh Muslim University defeated Professor Rajendra Singh University Prayagraj by 17-0 in a one-sided match, while in other matches, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut defeated University of Kashmir 4-0, Delhi University defeated Punjab University Chandigarh 3-1, Himachal Pradesh University.

Shimla defeated Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University 10-0, Kurukshetra University defeated CRS University, Jind 4-0 and MAA Shakumbhari University, and Saharanpur defeated Invertis University, Bareilly by 5-2.

The Kumaun University, Nainital, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar and CSJM University, Kanpur got a walkover due to the non-arrival of the rival teams.

Earlier, AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon inaugurated the tournament at the synthetic turf hockey turf by releasing colourful balloons.

Addressing the occasion, she said that AMU has a golden history in the field of sports and its students have not only brought laurels to this great institution in national and international hockey competitions, but several students have also succeeded in creating a niche for them in the Olympics.

She said that sports should be played with sportsman’s spirit and the defeated team should try to play better next time instead of feeling disappointed. She congratulated the University Games Committee for organizing the North Zone Hockey tournament after a gap of about six years.

The guest of honour, former Olympian and captain of the Indian hockey team, Padmshri Zafar Iqbal said that he learned hockey on the AMU ground which is a matter of pride for him. He said that AMU has been a major centre of sports activities since its inception and the students have not only brought glory to AMU in the field of education but also the field of literature and sports. He hoped that the students would get the opportunity to watch good matches during the tournament.

The Games Committee Secretary Prof Syed Amjad Ali Rizvi welcomed the guests and participating teams, while the Hockey Club President and Organizing Secretary Prof Ghulam Sarwar Hashmi highlighted the important details of the tournament.

AMU Registrar Mohd Imran, Proctor Prof M Wasim Ali, Presidents of various clubs, former captains, teachers and students were present during the inaugural hours.

The program was conducted by Dr Shariq Aqeel.