11 Alva’s Athletes to Represent India at 2025 World University Games in Germany

Mangaluru: Eleven promising athletes trained under Alva’s Education Foundation’s Sports Adoption Scheme and representing Mangalore University have earned selection to compete for India in the World University Games 2025, set to take place in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16 to 27.

This marks a significant milestone for the foundation, pushing its total tally of international participants to 32 over the years. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. M Mohan Alva, chairman of the foundation, expressed immense pride at this achievement, stating it reflects the growing sports culture in the state and at Alva’s institutions.

The selection trials were held at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, where the athletes impressed selectors with their performances.

Male athletes selected include Gagan (5,000m), Sachin (20km walk), Balakrishna (400m), and Taufique N (decathlon). Among the female athletes, Deekshita (400m hurdles), Basanti Kumari and Jyoti (half marathon), Manju Yadav (steeplechase), Sindhusree (pole vault), Sakshi (javelin throw), and Shalini (20km walk) will represent India.

Each athlete’s participation requires approximately ₹2.5 lakh. Mangalore University has committed ₹75,000 per athlete, while the foundation will fund the remaining expenses.

The foundation has consistently contributed athletes to past editions of the event — 1 athlete in 2015 (Croatia), 2 in 2017 (Taiwan), 10 in 2019 (Italy), and 8 in 2023 (Chengdu, China).

Their continued presence at global events showcases the success of the foundation’s vision to nurture rural sports talent.

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