Ajman (Press release): One of UAE’s largest inter-university sports festivals concluded on a high note with grand awards ceremony at the Gulf Medical University’s campus. Popularly known as Gulf Medical University Sports Festival brings together more than 2,000 students from 25 universities across the seven emirates. Now in its 21st edition, the week-long festival scaled new heights with more competitors than ever before.

Universities battled it out to achieve top spots in sports such as football, cricket, throwball (only girls), basketball, volleyball along with indoor games such as chess, badminton and table tennis. Prof Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor, Gulf Medical University, was the chief guest of the closing ceremony, which was held in the presence of members of the academic leadership team of GMU, faculty/staff members and students from various colleges. All participants were awarded certificates of participation.

Professor Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, said, “The landmark annual event hosted by us is always much anticipated by the student community not just for goals and winning trophies but for the warm camaraderie among the students at the campus. It takes many hands and lots of effort to organise a sporting extravaganza of this magnitude, but at the Gulf Medical University it becomes easy as the entire faculty, staff and students works in tandem with the passion to make this sports fest successful and glorious year after year.”

Over 2000 students from 25 universities/colleges in the UAE competed in the event which was hosted by Body & Soul Health Club & Spa- the leading network of health clubs operated by the Hospitality Division of Thumbay Group. In football, University of Wollongong won the first place in boys while Herriot Watt University secured the first position in girls. In cricket, De Montfort University won the first place in boys, while the Gulf Medical University stood first in girls. In volleyball, Success Point College won the first place in boys, while the RAK Medical University ranked first in girls. In basketball, University of Sharjah won the first place for both- boys and girls. In throw-ball, Gulf Medical University girls outplayed the rest to secure the first prize. In badminton, BITS Pilani won the first place in boys while America University of Sharjah secured the first position in girls. In table tennis, University of Sharjah won the first place in boys, while the University of Wollongong stood first in girls. In chess, BITS Pilani won the first place in boys, while the University of Sharjah ranked first in girls.

The grand sports event is held each year keeping in view the philosophy of Gulf Medical University “Healthy Body for a Healthy Mind” and to instill the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition among the students. The event has been helpful in engaging the student community in the UAE and empowering them with the spirit of sportsmanship, inter-professional teamwork and wellness.

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New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the "beauty of democracy".

In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency.

"What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.

"A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020," Tharoor said.

He said he also acknowledges the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and "offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city corporation -” a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape."

Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF "misrule", but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.

"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.

"We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said.

The lotus bloomed in the state capital as the BJP-led NDA achieved a resounding win in the polls for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, snatching it from the CPI(M)-led LDF and marking an end to 45 years of continuous Left rule in the local body.

The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital.

Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates.

The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation.

Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.

In Thrissur, from where Suresh Gopi won in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the BJP won 18 out of the 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkancherry municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam Municipality, six in Irinjalakuda Municipality and one in Chalakudy Municipality.