HYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 10, 2026: The ICAR South Zone Sports Tournament was formally inaugurated at RRC grounds in Secunderabad. On Tuesday. B. Venkateswarlu, Former VC, Vasatrao Naik, Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, was the chief guest and declared the tournament open. He said teamwork and sports spirit are required in sport which extends to research in ICAR. Sports help to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and sports spirit to be maintained even after sports, he added.
Bhavani Sri, Secretary, National Turmeric Board, was the guest of honour on the occasion. While addressing the gathering, she said that the ICAR personnel are doing great service to the nation in the agriculture sector. She advised the players to make great memories, and this is the only occasion wherein personnel sport across all positions and hierarchies in the system.
Arun Tiwari, writer, author and scientist, DRDO, said participating in games is a blessing. In the age of artificial intelligence, knowledge is an absolute intelligence. The technologies developed by ICAR go to the entire country.
Gopal Lal, Acting Director, NAARM, addressed the players and said sports are good for health, denoting a healthy mind in a healthy body, which further results in overall work output. He advised the players to keep up with good sportsmanship.
Earlier, K Srinivas, organising secretary, NAARM, welcomed the gathering. The sports and games include athletic events, badminton, volleyball (Shooting and smashing), basketball, cricket, football, carroms, table tennis, cycling, kabaddi, etc. The tournament is being organised by NAARM from Feb. 10 to 13, 2026 wherein around 885 players from 28 different ICAR institutions are participating. 750 Men and 135 women participants are participated in this South Zone tournament. P.D. Sreekanth, NAARM, proposed the vote of thanks.
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