University of Calicut clinches victory: Khelo India University Games 2023 men’s football concludes on a high note

The grand finale of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023 men’s football tournament, hosted successfully by Mizoram this year, concluded today with a thrilling clash. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Association of Indian Universities, Indian Olympic Association, and National Sports Federation, the event witnessed fierce competition among university teams from across the nation. In a captivating Kerala Derby held at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mualpui, the University of Calicut emerged triumphant, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the University of Kerala. The tournament’s third position was claimed by Punjabi University, Patiala, and Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Jijo Jaison of the University of Kerala emerged as the top scorer with an impressive tally of six goals. Expressing gratitude during the closing ceremony, Mizoram Sports & Youth Services (SYS) Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Khelo India University Games (Mizoram), lauded the successful hosting of the event in Mizoram. Hmar emphasized the significance of football in India, not only as a sport but also as a source of livelihood, encouraging university students to harness the blend of education and football.

The Khelo India University Games, India’s premier university-level competition, showcased teams from seven states in Northeast India this year. Assam served as the main host, featuring 15 sports disciplines. With except for Manipur, all other states contributed one sports discipline each, with the competition spanning from February 19 to February 29. The Khelo India University Games 2023 men’s football tournament featured eight university teams, including renowned institutions such as Punjabi University, Patiala; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; University of Calicut, Kerala; University of Calcutta, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; Adamas University, West Bengal; Shivaji University, Kolhapur; and University of Kerala.

A total of 161 athletes, 21 supporting staff, 23 technical officials (AIFF), 48 general officials, and 18 sports-specific volunteers participated in the tournament. The Local Organizing Committee, spearheaded by the SYS Department, played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success. During the tournament, 15 exhilarating matches were played, resulting in 47 goals scored, averaging 3.13 goals per match. Punjabi University and the University of Calicut showcased stellar performances, each scoring 24 goals, recording seven clean sheets, and receiving 37 yellow cards and one double yellow card.