– The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) officially launched the AIU East Zone Inter University Handball Tournament 2025–26 today, bringing together nearly 50 universities and approximately 75 teams from across the East Zone for a major collegiate handball championship.
The opening ceremony, held at the USTM Sports Complex, was presided over by Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Home (Passport), Sports & Youth Affairs for the Government of Meghalaya. Also in attendance were Mathew Kenneth Makdoh, a member of the District Council, KHADC, Shillong; Narayan Bhuyan, a prominent sports figure from Assam; Bobby L. Nongbet, District Sports Officer, Ri-Bhoi; Dipa Choudhury and Gautam Choudhury, Joint Secretaries of the Assam Olympic Association.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the AIU and university flags, followed by a vibrant march past featuring contingents from each participating university. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as teams prepared to compete for regional handball supremacy.
Minister Shylla, addressing the assembled athletes, officials, and university representatives, emphasized the broader significance of sports beyond mere competition. Sports are not merely competition; they are a powerful instrument for character building, leadership, and national integration,
he stated. He further lauded USTM’s role in providing a platform for youth development, noting that Institutions like USTM, by hosting such prestigious inter-university events, are creating platforms where youth learn discipline, teamwork, and excellence beyond classrooms.
Following the formal proceedings, Minister Shylla officially kicked off the tournament with the first match contested between Berhampur University, Odisha, and Banaras Hindu University. Details of the match result were not immediately available.
The inauguration wasn’t limited to on-field action. An interaction session was held at the Central Auditorium, where Minister Shylla engaged with students from the Medical, Ayurvedic, and Nursing streams at USTM. Discussions centered on health, leadership, and the responsibilities of youth in contemporary society. The day concluded with a lunch hosted by the university, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.
USTM’s Chancellor expressed the university’s commitment to a holistic educational approach, stating, USTM believes in holistic education where academic excellence goes hand in hand with sports and youth development. Hosting the AIU East Zone Tournament is a matter of pride and responsibility, as it strengthens inter-university collaboration and nurtures the sporting spirit among young minds across the region.
This sentiment underscores USTM’s growing ambition to become a regional hub for sports and athletic development.
The tournament’s arrival at USTM marks a significant step in establishing the university as a key venue for East Zone inter-university sporting events. The event is expected to draw considerable attention to handball within the region, potentially inspiring greater participation at the grassroots level. The AIU Inter-University Tournament series is a crucial pathway for identifying and nurturing emerging handball talent in India, and USTM’s role in hosting this event positions it at the forefront of this process.
The scale of the tournament – nearly 50 universities and 75 teams – highlights the growing popularity of handball among Indian university students. While handball doesn’t currently enjoy the same level of mainstream recognition as cricket or football in India, the AIU’s commitment to fostering inter-university competitions is vital for its continued growth. The tournament provides a competitive platform for student-athletes to showcase their skills and potentially earn selection for national teams.
The presence of dignitaries like Minister Shylla and representatives from the Assam Olympic Association underscores the importance placed on university-level sports by regional governing bodies. Their attendance signals a commitment to supporting athletic development and recognizing the role of universities in nurturing future generations of athletes. The involvement of local officials, such as the District Sports Officer, further demonstrates a collaborative effort to promote sports within the Ri-Bhoi district and the wider Meghalaya region.
As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to observe which universities emerge as frontrunners and which players distinguish themselves through exceptional performances. The competition promises to be fierce, with teams vying not only for the championship title but also for bragging rights and the opportunity to represent the East Zone at national-level tournaments. USTM’s facilities and organizational capabilities will be put to the test as it hosts a large number of athletes and officials over the coming days.
The AIU East Zone Inter University Handball Tournament at USTM is more than just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of youth, athleticism, and the power of sports to unite communities and foster personal growth. The tournament is scheduled to continue for several days, with matches taking place daily at the USTM Sports Complex.
