Chandigarh, 30th October 2025:Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, inaugurated its much-anticipated 77th Annual Athletic Meet 2025 with great enthusiasm and spirit. The event was graced by Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Ms. Sunita Rani, an acclaimed athlete and the Chief Guest for the occasion. She was welcomed by Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC, along with Dr. D. R. Prajapati, Dean Student Affairs (DSA), Dr. Sandeep Harit, Associate Dean Student Affairs (ADSA–Sports), and other distinguished faculty members.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome address by Dr. D. R. Prajapati, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest and dignitaries for their presence. He highlighted the outstanding achievements of PEC students in various national and international sporting events, mentioning notable performers such as Nanaki (CSE Department) and Bhavtegh (AED Department) for their recent accomplishments.

Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director PEC, extended a cordial welcome to Ms. Sunita Rani, commending her remarkable journey and contributions to Indian athletics. He applauded the efforts of the Dean Student Affairs Office for successfully organizing a vibrant platform to celebrate sportsmanship and teamwork. Emphasizing the holistic role of sports in a student’s life, Prof. Bhatia remarked that sports foster not only physical endurance but also emotional balance, mental resilience, and leadership qualities.

In her inspiring address, Ms. Sunita Rani fondly reminisced about her own student days and praised the glorious legacy of PEC. Drawing parallels between sports and life, she shared the though that, Sports teach us to stay within our limits to win the race, but they also inspire us to rise above those limits when life demands it. She likened students to airplanes that must take flight from humble runways to reach greater heights, underscoring the virtues of discipline, hard work, and focus as the foundation of success. She further stated, “In sports, we learn how to win, how to lose, and most importantly, how to accept both with grace.”

The event commenced with an impressive March Past by National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, followed by the hoisting of the PEC flag by the Chief Guest, the Director, and accompanying dignitaries — marking the formal opening of the Athletic Meet.

The first day of the 77th Annual Athletic Meet witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across all branches in a range of track and field events. Highlights included the 5000 meters run (boys), 4800 meters cycling (boys), and 800 meters race (girls), along with hurdle races, inter-branch relays, tug of war, and fun athletic contests, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and energy.