PGDAV Blue Triumphs in Opening Clash of 3rd Swami Dayanand Saraswati Day-Night T-20 Tournament

Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi encouraged students to actively participate in sports

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: PGDAV Blue made a winning start to the 3rd Swami Dayanand Saraswati Day-Night T-20 Cricket Tournament with a 32 runs victory over College of Vocational Studies in the opening match held at PGDAV College on Monday.

The tournament is being organized by the Department of Physical Education & Sports Sciences, PGDAV College, University of Delhi.

The event was formally inaugurated by Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi, who encouraged students from various colleges to actively participate in sports. Emphasizing the importance of fitness, he remarked that sports contribute significantly to both physical and mental well-being and help individuals stay focused in life.

Prof. Pani also congratulated the Principal of PGDAV College, Prof. Darvinder Kumar, along with Dr. Pawan Dabas and Dr. Mukesh Kumar for their dedicated efforts in enhancing sports infrastructure and opportunities for students.

On the occasion, distinguished alumni Shri Parmod Jain, a member of DDCA, and Shri Jagdish Malhotra, Senior Vice President of the Delhi Soccer Association, were honoured for their contributions.

PGDAV Blue, batting first, scored 202 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. Mandeep scored 52 runs, Anuj made 37, and Nasa added 32 runs. Jainum Shah took 3 wickets, while Aarit and Dipansh claimed two wickets each.

In reply, the College of Vocational Studies team was all out for 170 runs in 19.3 overs. Rishi Aryan scored 63 runs. Brian Jha took 4 wickets for 19 runs, while Gaurav and Daksh picked up two wickets each.Brian Jha was adjudged the Player of the Match.

All matches of the tournament will be telecast live by OODLES Pvt. Ltd., ensuring wider reach and engagement.

Speaking about the tournament, Prof. Darvinder Kumar highlighted that, “The event traces its origins to the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 2022–23. He noted that the college has made remarkable progress in both academics and sports, with students excelling at national and international levels.” He further added that PGDAV has recently regained its sporting glory by winning the Delhi University Inter-College Cricket Championship after 27 years, along with consecutive titles in Football and Volleyball, and a historic win in inter-college Judo.

Dr. Pawan Dabas informed that the tournament, scheduled from April 13 to April 30, will feature a total of 27 day-night matches, including 24 league matches, two semifinals, and the final. This year, the number of participating teams has been increased to 16, allowing broader participation. Notably, three teams from PGDAV, PGDAV Blue, and PGDAV Yellow—are competing in the tournament.

Teams have been divided into four groups, with PGDAV Blue placed in Group A alongside Aryabhatta College, College of Vocational Studies, and PGDAV Evening College. Matches will be played using SG club white balls, and facilities such as meals will be provided to participating players.

The tournament is being coordinated under the leadership of Dr. Pawan Dabas as Organizing Secretary and Dr. Mukesh Kumar as Joint Secretary, aiming for its successful execution and promotion of sporting excellence among students.