Grand and Dignified Inauguration of Agriculture Premier League (APL) Season–07 at BHU
Varanasi The grand inauguration ceremony of the Agriculture Premier League (APL) Season–07 was held with great enthusiasm, dignity, and true sportsmanship on February 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Agricultural Ground of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The occasion witnessed the gracious presence of university authorities, faculty members, students, research scholars, alumni, and a large number of sports enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and excitement.
The prestigious tournament was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of BHU, Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was further honored by the presence of Mrs. Neelu Mishra as the Guest of Honour, while the programme was presided over by the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi emphasized that sports are not merely a display of physical strength but play a crucial role in shaping students’ character, discipline, leadership skills, time management, and sense of collective responsibility. He highlighted that in today’s competitive era, active participation in sports along with academic excellence is essential for the holistic development of students. He appreciated initiatives like the Agriculture Premier League for providing a stress-free environment and instilling positive energy among students. The Vice-Chancellor especially lauded the enthusiastic participation of women players, stating that their strong presence on the field reflects social transformation, women empowerment, and the university’s inclusive and progressive outlook.
Guest of Honour Mrs. Neelu Mishra, in her address, congratulated the organizers for the successful conduct of APL Season–07. She remarked that sports help inculcate confidence, courage, and decision-making abilities among youth, while team games teach cooperation, dedication, and mutual respect. She particularly praised the discipline, enthusiasm, and self-reliance displayed by the women’s teams and stated that such events not only promote sporting talent but also strengthen the active role of women in society. She encouraged players to maintain sportsmanship and accept victory and defeat with equal grace.
Presiding over the function, the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, stated that the Agriculture Premier League is not merely a sports competition but a symbol of unity, collective energy, and vibrancy of the institute. She emphasized that such events significantly contribute to the development of leadership, discipline, and organizational skills among students, which are vital for their academic and professional careers. She appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee, Athletic Association, volunteers, and students, and assured continued encouragement for such initiatives in the future.
On this occasion, senior academician and sports administrator associated with BHU, Prof. A. K. Nema (USDV), highlighted the importance of strengthening sports culture in universities, stating that sports enhance not only physical fitness but also mental balance and positive thinking. He added that tournaments like APL motivate students to excel in a healthy competitive environment while fostering teamwork, leadership, and discipline.
Dr. Abhishek Singh, Professor and Head of the Agriculture Sports Board, remarked that sports activities are an integral part of students’ personality development. He noted that organized tournaments like APL help students break free from academic monotony and rejuvenate them with enthusiasm and energy, while also strengthening the institute’s sporting traditions and promoting a spirit of brotherhood.
Dr. Tarun Verma, in his address, stated that sports teach essential life values such as discipline, time management, perseverance, and continuous effort. He urged students to make sports an integral part of their lives, emphasizing that a healthy body and a balanced mind are the keys to academic and professional success. Dr. Sudhir Rajput added that events like APL provide a strong platform for developing leadership and organizational skills, and the values learned on the sports field remain useful throughout life, helping shape responsible citizens.
Notably, APL Season–07 features eight men’s teams—Cobra Challengers, Helico Blasters, Mutant Strikers, Spartan, Alphonso Eleven, ARS, Dragon Fighters, and Kurian Warriors—and four women’s teams—Phoenix Warriors, Thunder Queen, Agro Super Novas, and Dhakad Eleven. Their enthusiastic participation has made the tournament highly competitive and exciting. During the inauguration, players pledged their commitment to fair play, discipline, and sportsmanship.
The successful organization of this grand event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Akashdeep Singh, Nitin, Prashant, Saurav, Adarsh, Sumit Chauhan, Adarsh Singh, Komal, Priya, Pinakshi, and Rishika, along with the enthusiastic support of first, second, and third-year students. The stage proceedings were efficiently and gracefully conducted by Dr. Nagendra Singh and Rishu Kumar, earning appreciation from all dignitaries present.
Organized under the aegis of the Athletic Association of IAS, BHU, the ceremony witnessed remarkable participation from faculty members, officers, students, and sports lovers. Overall, the inauguration of Agriculture Premier League (APL) Season–07 emerged not just as a sporting event but as a celebration of unity, discipline, dedication, and healthy competition, reaffirming that when students, faculty, and administration come together with a common goal, the vibrancy and prestige of the university multiply manifold.
The success of this prestigious event was further strengthened by the valuable support of the Title Sponsors — IARI Educational Platform and Dawat-e-Zaika Restaurant, whose contributions played a significant role in giving APL its grand stature.
