By Vishal Patel
NHSF (UK) General Secretary
“The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.” Swami Vivekananda
‘Inspire a generation’, a motto which will be long lived by many of us who viewed the spectacular display of sporting talent throughout the London Olympic 2012 games. The games have come and gone, but there is no doubt it has left a profound legacy for the UK as a country.
On Saturday 16th February 2013, National Hindu Students’ Forum (NHSF)UK)) embraced this legacy by providing 900 students a platform to channel their sporting talent and their competitive spirit to thrive. In its ninth year, NHSF (UK)’s Annual Sports Competition took place at the Tipton Sports Academy, Birmingham. The day started with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, led by Dr Raj Pandit Sharma, who explained that Lord Ganesh is the first to be worshipped at every occasion as he is the destroyer of all obstacles and the Lord of successful beginnings. Over 900 students joined in prayer creating an atmosphere of unity and strength within the Hindu student community. This was followed by a spectacular opening ceremony where a representative from each NHSF (UK) university society was nominated to carry their university flag alongside fellow NHSF (UK) branches. The opening ceremony embraced every NHSF (UK) society as individuals who together stand strong as NHSF (UK); the largest Hindu student body outside India.
With thirty out of forty- one NHSF (UK) branches taking part, participants competed in a dynamic range of sports including Football, Kho- Kho, Kabbadi, Netball and Badminton. The day displayed impressive sporting talent and the ethos of team work was evident throughout all matches that took place. Other attractions on the day included a ‘Sewa Hub,’ where NHSF (UK) members had the opportunity to engage in sewa and learning activities. Representatives from the Anthony Nolan charity were present to promote awareness of stem cell donation and sign students up to the register. NHSF (UK) Learning Team encouraged students to ‘Ask the Guru’, whereby they encouraged students to submit the questions they would like answers to or more clarity in an effort to make learning more accessible to students. Furthermore, a rejuvenation centre was available to students who were able to relax and enjoy a free massage given by Redbridge Sewa Volunteers.
After an enlivening 121 matches played, the winners are:
- Football- NHSF Warwick
- Netball- NHSF LSE
- Kho-Kho- NHSF Hertfordshire
- Badminton- NHSF Loughborough
- Kabbadi – NHSF Aston
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.