Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 28: The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) is all set to host the All India Inter-University Winter Sports All India Inter-University (AIU) Winter Games 2024-25 at the renowned ski destination of Gulmarg, featuring 169 athletes from 27 universities across the country.
The event, featuring skiing and ice stock competitions for male and female athletes, will begin with the Giant Slalom competition on January 30, followed by the Slalom ski event on January 31. Ice stock competitions for both genders will take place on both days. A total of 27 universities from across India are participating, with over 200 athletes competing in this prestigious event.
Addressing a press conference, CUK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah said that the event, sponsored by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), aims to promote Kashmir as a premier winter sports and tourist destination. “The initiative aligns with India’s vision for educational and cultural integration under WC2047,” he said.
In addition to the sports event, Prof. Shah highlighted academic initiatives, particularly the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for postgraduate programs. “The registration deadline for CUET is February 1, and students qualifying for the test will gain admission to 48 central universities, along with select state and private institutions,” he said.
He encouraged local students to participate in CUET and announced tuition fee waivers and other incentivization programs for those who qualify. The VC also emphasized the university’s adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on a learner-centric approach to promote higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Providing updates on infrastructure development, Prof. Shah said that CUK’s revised plan includes nine academic blocks and two hostels, expected to be completed within 24 to 36 months.
Highlighting unique academic initiatives, he noted that CUK is the only institution in Kashmir offering the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), a four-year course introduced under NEP 2020. “This program aims to prepare students for teaching roles at international standards,” he said.
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