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University of Sargodha turned into a festival of colour, energy and youthful passion as the All-Pakistan Universities Football Championship 2025-26 opened with a vibrant ceremony that blended sport, culture and campus spirit.
The university’s football ground echoed with drumbeats, cheers and slogans as students filled the arena waving banners and supporting the teams. The opening ceremony featured traditional tent pegging displays, horse dance performances and friendly tug-of-war contests that transformed the sporting event into a full-scale celebration.
Former Higher Education Commission chairman Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed attended as chief guest, while Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas was the guest of honour. Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan, Director Sports Mehr Ahmad Khan Heral, Manager UoS Football team Dr. Yasir Iqbal Warraich, Director Sports of other universities, and senior faculty members were also present alongside a large number of students.
The most animated moments of the ceremony came during the tug-of-war contest between university faculties. One side was led by Prof. Abbas while the other was captained by Prof. Ahmed, drawing loud cheers and laughter from the crowd as students rallied behind their teachers.
Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Ahmed said universities must produce young people who are “strong in character, sharp in mind and fearless in the field”. He described sports as a powerful force for discipline, unity and national confidence.
Prof. Abbas said the championship is more than a sporting contest, calling it “a celebration of youth, education and leadership”. He added that campuses must continue to create opportunities where talent, teamwork and healthy competition can thrive together.
Teams from 13 universities across the country are participating in the championship. The opening match was played between Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Sciences and University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, setting the tone for an exciting tournament ahead.
As the chants continued to rise from the student’s side, the message from University of Sargodha was unmistakable: university sports in Pakistan are alive, ambitious and roaring with new energy.
Trophies were awarded to teams and players who delivered outstanding performances in tug-of-war and other exhibition contests, bringing the vibrant opening event to a celebratory close.