Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions organised the Independence Tournament 2026, a PU-level intercollegiate sports tournament featuring Men’s Kabaddi and Women’s Throwball, at the Father Muller Indoor Stadium, Mangaluru, on August 13.
The tournament brought together young athletes from PU colleges across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent while developing teamwork, discipline and competitive spirit.
Over 24 teams participate
The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation, with more than 16 teams competing in Men’s Kabaddi and eight teams in Women’s Throwball.
All matches were conducted at the Father Muller Indoor Stadium, which provided an air-conditioned indoor sporting facility for the participating teams.
The programme was compered by Mr Chandrashekhara S. N., Physical Education Director, Father Muller Medical College, who coordinated the proceedings, including the inauguration, tournament activities, prize distribution and closing ceremony.
Tournament inaugurated at Father Muller Indoor Stadium
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Father Muller Indoor Stadium and was presided over by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions.
Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College, served as the Chief Guest and Organizing Secretary.
The dignitaries welcomed the participating teams and appreciated the efforts of Father Muller Charitable Institutions in creating opportunities for young students to develop their sporting abilities.
The tournament also emphasised the importance of discipline, teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship among students.
Govinda Dasa PU College wins Women’s Throwball title
The Women’s Throwball competition witnessed a series of competitive matches, with Govinda Dasa PU College emerging as the champions.
The final standings were:
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Govinda Dasa PU College |
| 2nd | Dr. N. S. A. M. PU College |
| 3rd | Padua PU College |
| 4th | Milagres PU College |
Individual awards were also presented to outstanding performers.
Shrushti Jain of Dr. Nitte PU College was named Best Player of the Tournament, while Amulya of Govinda Dasa PU College received the Best Server award. Shanvi Shetty of Govinda Dasa PU College was adjudged Best All-rounder.
Sebastian PU College emerges champion in Kabaddi
The Men’s Kabaddi tournament featured intense competition, with participating teams displaying strength, skill, coordination and sportsmanship.
Sebastian PU College secured the first position, followed by BEM PU College in second place.
The final standings were:
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Sebastian PU College |
| 2nd | BEM PU College |
| 3rd | Boscoss PU College |
| 4th | Ramakrishna PU College |
In the individual categories, Afif of Sebastian PU College was named Best Raider, while Alishan of Sebastian PU College won the Best Catcher award. Ranjith of BEM PU College was adjudged Best All-rounder.
Winners felicitated
Following the completion of the competitions, the prize distribution ceremony was held at the Father Muller Indoor Stadium.
Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College and Organizing Chairman, presented the prizes, trophies and individual awards to the winners and outstanding performers.
The winners, runners-up and award recipients were congratulated for their performances and sporting spirit.
Tournament promotes sporting talent
The Independence Tournament 2026 provided PU-level students from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts with a platform to demonstrate their sporting abilities in a competitive environment.
Beyond the results, the tournament encouraged values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership, confidence and sportsmanship among young athletes.
The organisers expressed appreciation to all participating colleges, players, coaches, officials, referees, volunteers and staff members for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament.
Father Muller Charitable Institutions reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging young sporting talent and providing quality sporting facilities and opportunities to students in the region.
The Independence Tournament 2026 concluded successfully with enthusiasm and sporting spirit, leaving participants with a memorable experience and further strengthening the role of sports in the holistic development of young people.
