By Veeral Raichura
NHSF (UK) National Treasurer
In its 11th year running, approximately 900 students from across the country gathered once again at Tipton Sports Academy for NHSF (UK)’s annual sports competition. Saturday 21st February witnessed a record 118 teams from 38 universities battling it out in Badminton, Football, Kabbadi, Kho-Kho and Netball to be crowned national champions.
With the adrenaline pumping and excitement growing, the day began with the Gayatri Mantra led by Madhav Dave, NHSF (UK)’s National Learning Coordinator, who explained how the mantra aims to inspire wisdom and peace within oneself; this formed an atmosphere of unity and strength amongst everyone as they joined in the prayer.
As the teams participated, the day offered many twists and turns as they aimed to qualify for the latter stages of the competition. Players demonstrated exciting and skilful sporting talent with the spirit of team work evident throughout. Other activities included a ‘Sewa Hub’ where our support for Anthony Nolan continued as we collectively aimed to increase signups and raise awareness for blood cancer and blood disorders in the Asian community. This is a crucial part in the community as the chances of finding a bone marrow match are at only four percent. Additionally, with the Cricket World Cup in full swing, the National Sewa Team organised an indoor disability awareness cricket tournament to get members in the spirit of the game. It was also the weekend before our Annual Sewa Week; the team were on hand to discuss potential initiatives our members could get involved with in addition to their activities.
Following a tough competition and with over 100 matches being played, the winners were as follows:
Football- NHSF LSE
Netball- NHSF LSE
Kho-Kho- NHSF De Montfort/NHSF Leicester (joint team)
Badminton- NHSF De Montfort
Kabbadi- NHSF Imperial
NHSF (UK) would like to congratulate all students who attended and participated in the games for their hard work and effort throughout the year to make the day a success. All matches were played with a high level of professionalism, skill and team spirit. We hope that NHSF (UK) Annual Sports Competition continues to allow students to find their passion, develop their talents and play their part in future events.
‘Sangathan Mein Shakti Hai’- In unity there is strength.”