Patna: AIIMS Patna marked National Sports Day 2025 with a two-day programme full of activities that encouraged fitness, teamwork and awareness about the importance of exercise. The celebrations were held on August 29 and 30 across the campus, under the leadership of Prof (Dr) Saurabh Varshney, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Patna. The event was organised in line with directions from the University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The programme began with an orientation session in the auditorium on August 29. Prof (Dr) Jyoti Prakash, Registrar of AIIMS Patna, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the theme of this year’s National Sports Day, “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Me” (One Hour on the Playground). Around 300 MBBS and nursing students joined the session, along with senior professors, deans, heads of departments and nursing faculty. The gathering also took the Fit India pledge, promising to spend at least one hour daily in sports or physical activity.
On 30 August, the focus shifted outdoors with a lively walkathon on the AIIMS Patna campus. Participants carried banners and raised slogans such as “Ek Ghanta Roj – Sehat Ka Dose” (One Hour a Day – A Dose of Health), “Fit Hai India to Hit Hai India” and “Khelega India to Khilega India”. The walkathon created an energetic atmosphere and drew enthusiastic participation from both students and faculty.
The event also featured sports competitions. Around 70 students competed in races of 50 metres and 100 metres, while a spirited tug-of-war match saw both students and nearly 30 faculty members pulling the ropes with equal passion. Winners and runners-up were given trophies on the spot, while organisers announced that medals and certificates would soon be distributed.
Faculty members said the programme was not only about fun but also about building a culture of health and fitness among future healthcare professionals. By combining awareness, competition and teamwork, AIIMS Patna’s National Sports Day celebration aimed to spread the message that exercise is essential for everyone, every day.
