Bengaluru : CMR University marked a significant milestone in promoting sports and student wellness with the grand inauguration of its international-standard CMRU Astro Turf Football Ground at the Lakeside Campus, Bagaluru. The state-of-the-art football facility was inaugurated by Shri N. A. Haris, MLA, Chairman of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), President of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), and Vice President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), who also launched the CMRU Inter-Club Football Tournament. The initiative reaffirms the University’s commitment to promoting sports, fitness, and holistic student development.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri N. A. Haris emphasized that sports are an essential part of student life, complementing academic learning by promoting physical well-being. He encouraged students to make the best use of the international-standard Astro Turf Football Ground to excel in sports and aspire to represent India. He further said that the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are planning to collaborate with CMR University to host state- and national-level football tournaments at the University’s world-class football ground.
Dr. K. C. Ramamurthy, IPS (Retd.), former Rajya Sabha Member and Chairman of the CMR Group of Institutions and CMR University, said that the newly inaugurated Astro Turf Football Stadium has been built with modern technology and world-class facilities, making it suitable for hosting state- and national-level floodlight tournaments. He emphasized that CMR University gives equal importance to sports, personality development, and academic excellence. Highlighting the University’s commitment to holistic education, he noted that after establishing a world-class cricket stadium, the Astro Turf Football Stadium further strengthens opportunities for students to excel in sports alongside academics.
Earlier, Shri Jayadeep K. R. Reddy, Pro Chancellor of CMR University, welcomed the dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony.
The CMRU Inter-Club Football Tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from football clubs across Bengaluru. The winning team received a cash prize of ₹50,000, while the runners-up were awarded ₹30,000.
The event was attended by Shri Sunil Kumar, former Karnataka football player, Shri M. Kumar, Secretary, Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), Shri B. K. Muniraj, Treasurer, KSFA, Dr. H. B. Raghavendra, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Praveen R., Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. K. E. Prakash, Registrar, along with senior University officials, faculty members, students, and football enthusiasts.