The coastal city of Mangaluru is set to become the epicentre of university-level athletics in India as it prepares to host the 85th All India Inter-University Athletics Championship 2026. The prestigious national event for both men and women will unfold from January 12 to 16, 2026, at the Swarajya Maidan in Moodbidri.
Grand Scale and Distinguished Inauguration
Organised by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri, the championship promises to be a colossal gathering of sporting talent. M Mohan Alva, Chairman of Alva's Education Foundation, revealed that the event will witness participation from over 4,288 athletes representing more than 312 universities from across the nation. They will be supported by nearly 1,000 sports officials.
The inauguration ceremony on January 12 will be graced by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr UT Khader, who will also receive the ceremonial sports torch. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Minister for Medical Education Dr Sharan Prakash Patil will attend as chief guests. Adding a vibrant cultural dimension, a procession showcasing India's diverse art and culture will be a highlight of the opening ceremony.
A Legacy of Nurturing Champions
This edition marks the sixth time Alva's Education Foundation is hosting this premier championship and the fourth time in collaboration with RGUHS. The institution has a proven track record, having previously organised the 72nd, 75th, 80th, 79th, and 81st editions. Dr Alva highlighted the foundation's significant contribution to Indian sports, noting it has produced 11 Olympians and 58 international-level athletes. Impressively, from the three previous championships hosted at Alva's with RGUHS, 48 athletes advanced to compete at the international level.
World-Class Facilities and Lucrative Awards
Competitions will be held on a state-of-the-art synthetic track equipped with floodlight facilities. The event will employ advanced photo-finish technology to ensure accurate and fair results. Dr Alva emphasised that the championship aims to set a benchmark for events like Khelo India and international university meets.
To motivate peak performance, the organisers have announced attractive cash prizes. Individual event winners will receive Rs 15,000 for 1st place, Rs 10,000 for 2nd, and Rs 5,000 for 3rd. Athletes who set new records will be awarded Rs 25,000. For teams, the overall champions will get Rs 50,000, the runner-up Rs 30,000, and the second runner-up Rs 20,000.
All participating athletes, coaches, officials, and special invitees will be provided free food and accommodation. Participants can register for the event through online channels. The inaugural ceremony is also expected to be attended by several nationally and internationally acclaimed athletes, adding further prestige to the event. The announcement meeting was attended by RGUHS syndicate members Dr Iftikhar Ali and Dr Shivasharana, senate member Dr Vaishali Srijith, and deputy registrar Dr B Vasantha Shetty.
