Guwahati: As the fourth edition of the ‘Khelo India University Games 2023 Ashtalakshmi’ began on Saturday, athletes from universities from across the country have descended upon the northeast to showcase their skills and compete for national glory. Commencing with kabaddi matches in Assam’s Guwahati, Happy Raj Kumar Ghanghas, the Right Raider from Chaudhary Bansi Lal University in Haryana’s Bhiwani, shared his thoughts on the importance of the Khelo India University Games, his passion for kabaddi, his inspirations and future aspirations.
Happy Ghanghas, reflecting on the transformative impact of the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, said that it has created many opportunities for the aspiring athletes of the country. Happy said he began his competitive journey at the ‘Khelo India School Games’ held in New Delhi. He further highlighted the Khelo India University Games’ tremendous value in talent identification. Happy, following in the footsteps of his father, a former kabaddi player for the Border Security Force (BSF), who now serves as a kabaddi coach for the BSF, shared how familial influence shaped his trajectory into the sport, as per a press release.
“This is a national platform and there are so many eyes on it, it is very hard for the talents to go unnoticed here. As an athlete, you can make your future here. My father inspired me to take up kabaddi. With his background in the sport, it felt like a natural progression for me,” Happy said.
Happy’s passion for the game ignited when he was in the seventh standard and was fueled by the introduction of the Pro Kabaddi League’s (PKL’s) emergence in 2014. Pointing to Ajay Thakur, a stalwart of Indian kabaddi as his beacon of inspiration, Happy revealed his ultimate dream, the release added.
“My dream is to play in the PKL and win the World Cup for India like Ajay Thakur. I want to be like him not just on the mat, but I admire his nature as well,” Happy added.
Expressing his delight at the camaraderie among athletes from all over the country, Happy said that it has been an incredible experience so far.
“Meeting athletes from across India has been great and the tournament’s organisation, hospitality, and quality of amenities have been commendable. Assam’s warmth and hospitality have made the journey even more memorable,” a delighted Happy said.
The Khelo India University Games 2023 Ashtalakshmi will be officially inaugurated on Monday at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati and the competitions will be held till February 29. The grand opening ceremony will be graced by Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the release added.
