IIMT University Students Represent Uttarakhand Football Team in the 79th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy

A Landmark Achievement for IIMT University in National-Level Football

We take immense pride in announcing a historic sporting milestone as four outstanding students from IIMT University have been officially selected to represent the Uttarakhand Football Team in the prestigious 79th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the athletic excellence of our students but also reinforces IIMT University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing sports talent alongside academic brilliance.

The Santosh Trophy, India’s most celebrated and time-honored domestic football tournament, stands as a symbol of grit, endurance, and national sporting pride. Being selected to compete at this elite level is a testament to discipline, resilience, and high-performance training, qualities deeply embedded in the sporting culture we foster at IIMT University.

About the 79th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy

The Santosh Trophy holds a revered position in Indian football history. Organized under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the tournament brings together the finest state teams from across the nation. Competing in the 79th edition places Uttarakhand among India’s top footballing contingents and offers players a national platform to showcase their talent before selectors, scouts, and football authorities.

Participation in the Santosh Trophy is widely regarded as a stepping stone to professional and international football, making this achievement particularly significant for young university athletes.

IIMT University: A Growing Hub for Sports Excellence

At IIMT University, we believe that sports education is integral to holistic development. Our emphasis on physical education, sports science, coaching, and athlete development has resulted in consistent representation at district, state, and national levels across multiple disciplines.

Our advanced infrastructure, qualified coaching staff, and athlete-centric academic programs empower students to excel simultaneously in sports and higher education. The selection of our students for the Uttarakhand Football Team is a direct reflection of this integrated approach.

Meet the IIMT University Players Selected for Santosh Trophy

Ajay Bisht – PGDYED

Ajay Bisht, currently pursuing the Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Education (PGDYED), exemplifies the perfect blend of physical conditioning, mental focus, and tactical awareness. His training in yogic discipline has enhanced his endurance, flexibility, and match temperament, giving him a competitive edge on the football field. Ajay’s selection underscores the growing importance of sports wellness and holistic fitness in modern football.

Shashank Rana – MPES (2nd Year)

A second-year student of Master of Physical Education and Sports (MPES), Shashank Rana has consistently demonstrated exceptional athletic performance and leadership qualities. His deep understanding of sports physiology, training methodologies, and match strategies positions him as a technically sound and mentally resilient footballer. Shashank’s inclusion in the Uttarakhand squad highlights the effectiveness of advanced sports education programs offered at IIMT University.

Hitik Walia – BPED (1st Year)

Hitik Walia, a first-year student of Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED), represents the new generation of dynamic footballers emerging from IIMT University. Despite being early in his academic journey, Hitik’s speed, agility, and tactical discipline have earned him a coveted spot at the national championship. His selection reflects our belief in early talent identification and structured athlete grooming.

Bharat Mehra – BPED (1st Year)

Bharat Mehra, also a BPED first-year student, has shown remarkable determination and consistency on the field. Known for his strength, stamina, and game awareness, Bharat has rapidly progressed through competitive ranks. His representation at the Santosh Trophy level demonstrates how foundational sports education combined with rigorous training can yield national-level athletes in a short span.

Role of Academic Sports Programs in Competitive Football

The success of these students highlights the pivotal role of sports-focused academic programs such as BPED, MPES, and PGDYED. These programs equip athletes with:

• Scientific training techniques

• Injury prevention and rehabilitation knowledge

• Sports psychology and performance analytics

• Leadership and coaching skills

By integrating theory with practical exposure, we ensure our students are not just players but intelligent athletes capable of sustaining long-term sporting careers.

Uttarakhand Football and Emerging University Talent

Uttarakhand’s growing presence in national football is significantly strengthened by university-level talent development. Institutions like IIMT University play a crucial role in providing structured platforms for young athletes to train, compete, and evolve. The inclusion of multiple IIMT University students in the state team reflects a robust grassroots-to-national pipeline.

Institutional Support and Athlete-Centric Ecosystem

We maintain a supportive ecosystem that allows student-athletes to balance academics and sports without compromise. This includes:

• Flexible academic schedules during competitions

• Access to professional coaching and mentoring

• High-quality sports facilities and fitness centers

• Continuous performance assessment and guidance

Such institutional backing ensures that our athletes perform at their peak during prestigious tournaments like the Santosh Trophy.

National Recognition and Future Pathways

Representation at the Santosh Trophy opens doors to professional leagues, national camps, and advanced coaching opportunities. It also enhances the visibility of IIMT University as a center of sports excellence and talent production. Our students’ participation strengthens our reputation at both academic and sporting national forums.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Student-Athletes

The success of Ajay Bisht, Shashank Rana, Hitik Walia, and Bharat Mehra serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring athletes across India. Their journey proves that with structured education, disciplined training, and institutional support, students can achieve excellence at the highest levels of competitive sports.

A Proud Moment for IIMT University

We celebrate this achievement as a collective success of our students, faculty, coaches, and the entire IIMT University fraternity. As our players step onto the national stage at the 79th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy, they carry with them the values of commitment, integrity, teamwork, and excellence.

We remain dedicated to strengthening our sports programs and continuing to produce athletes who bring honor to their state and nation.

19-Dec-2025

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