Demonstrating remarkable skill, acumen, and training, the shooting players of Jamia Millia Islamia brought laurels to the institution with their outstanding performance at the recently concluded 48th UP State Shooting Championship organised by the UP State Rifle Association at Jaipur (Rajasthan) from August 30, 2025 to September 7, 2025.
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Azeem, a student of B A (Hons.) Hindi, 2nd Year (University Shooting Player) won Gold Medal (Event: 25 Meter Sports Pistol) and Silver Medal (Event: 50 Meter Free Pistol) at the 48th U.P. State Shooting Championship.
At the same championship, Syed Mohammad Umar Peerzada, a student of M.Com. (Business Management) 1st Year (University Shooting Player) won Gold Medal (Event: 25 Meter Centre Fire Pistol) and Bronze Medal (Event: 25 Meter Sports Pistol).
Another Jamia student, Faiz Rehman, pursuing BA (Hons.) Mass Media Hindi, 3rd Year (University Shooting Player) won Bronze Medal (Event: 32 Center Fire Pistol) at the Championship.
Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia congratulated the three university players and appreciated their efforts to achieve top positions and medals in the various events of the State Championship saying that they will inspire other athletes to excel in their respective sports. Prof Asif said their wins exemplify not only their individual talents but also the high quality of training they have received.
Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, praised the three shooting players and conveyed his best wishes for their upcoming tournaments so that they continue to bring laurels to JMI adding that the university is committed to nurturing sporting talent.
Prof. Nafis Ahmad, Hony. Director (Games & Sports), extended his congratulations to the three players and motivated them to continue with their extraordinary performance with determination, hard work and sincere efforts assuring them of his full support.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, called for embedding sporting culture in every household, and inculcating the passion for sports in every child. “Every street in Bharat should become a sporting arena, and every podium should witness Bharat’s flag flying high,” he remarked.
Elaborating on the vibrant, multi-faceted nature of sports in the Indian context, Union Minister said: “Sports is a way of life; it is part of our nature and culture, just as it is a profession, a form of entertainment, and an integral aspect of the economy.”
Addressing the inaugural session of the Sportstar x KPMG PLAYCOM Business of Sports Summit 2025 in New Delhi on Friday, Dr. Mandaviya emphasised the need to make sports as a peoples’ movement that resonates with every citizen. He referred to initiatives like “Sundays on Cycles” as symbolic of grassroots engagement, and called for embedding sporting culture in every household.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya underlined the series of reforms in India’s sporting ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He reiterated the importance of initiatives like “Fit India” and “Khelo India,” stating that they have successfully created awareness and enthusiasm among citizens. “Our reforms in sports must be continuous. We have immense talent in the country. What it needs is opportunity, nurturing and respect.”
In his address, the Union Minister outlined a bold, comprehensive vision to make India one of the world’s top five sporting nations. Highlighting the critical role of policy and good governance in sports, he said, “We are already working on a 10-year and a 25-year strategic plan to transform India’s sporting ecosystem. This long-term plan will guide us towards a Viksit Bharat and establish India among the top five sporting nations of the world, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.”
“Women must not only participate, but also have space to voice their opinions. This Act will ensure a strong representation of women in sports governance and provide institutional platforms for them to lead,” he added.
