Excitement permeated the Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology campus at Tholurpatti on Monday evening.
The students who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the former sprint queen P.T. Usha burst into loud cheers when the “Payyoli Express” stepped onto the stage, along with other dignitaries. “Whatever be the hurdles coming your way, keep trying hard with dedication to achieve success,” said Ms. Usha, an Olympian, who inaugurated the 32nd edition of the Tamil Nadu Inter-Engineering Sports (TIES) meet. Ms. Usha, who won four gold medals in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, said that compared to the 1980s the sporting infrastructure in the country was now well developed.
“Aim high and make the most of the sporting facilities available,” the Padma Shri award-winner advised the youngsters.
The TIES meet, being organised by the Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology, will see participation of students from more than 180 engineering colleges throughout the State.
Competitions are conducted for women in 10 disciplines from February 11 to 13, and for men from February 15 to 23 in 13 disciplines. Athletics will be held for men and women from February 24 to 26.
M. Ramasubramani, Inspector-General of Police, Central Zone, and PSK. R. Periaswamy, chairman, Kongunadu Institutions, spoke.