Director: Dr. A. Chandra Shekhar

Location & Date: Tagarapuvalasa, February 23

Under the leadership of Avanthi Institutions Chairman (former minister) Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, Karate (for boys and girls) and Taekwondo (for girls) selection trials were conducted grandly at Avanthi Engineering College, Tagarapuvalasa for colleges affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University–Gurajada Vizianagaram (JNTU-GV) across six districts.

The chief guests for the program were Avanthi College Director Dr. A. Chandra Shekhar and Principal Murali Krishna. They formally inaugurated the Karate and Taekwondo selection trials. A total of nine colleges participated, with 27 students competing in Karate and 11 students in Taekwondo. The competitions were engaging and witnessed keen interest from the audience.

From the Karate division, V.N.D. Praveen, Murthy, Appa Rao, and Remo Yadav served as officials, while Venu Gopal Rao and Suresh officiated for the Taekwondo division.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Dr. Chandra Shekhar stated that atrocities against women are increasing in recent times. He emphasized that martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo play a crucial role in empowering women to protect themselves, calling them powerful weapons for women’s self-defense.

Principal Murali Krishna mentioned that Avanthi College, along with academics, focuses on organizing such events to promote self-defense skills and to bring out the hidden talents of students. He advised that martial arts should be practiced strictly as self-defense disciplines and not misused.

Students selected in these trials will represent the university in upcoming All India Inter-University competitions. The Taekwondo (girls) team will participate from March 16 to 20 at Fakir Mohan University, Odisha. Karate competitions for selected boys and girls will be held from March 17 to 21 at SAGE University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Several dignitaries including Admin Director Viswa Prasad, Degree College Principal Ramakrishna, Pharmacy College Principal Naga Purna Sri, Sports Coordinator Ramu, Supervisor Mahesh, Senior Physical Director Kola Chandra Shekhar, and Physical Directors Maddila Shankar, Paila Gayatri, and G. Prakasamma attended the event.