Northern Province Governor N. Vethanayahan emphasized that education alone cannot shape a person’s personality, highlighting the need for greater importance to be given to sports.
Speaking as the Chief guest at the Northern Provincial Sports Festival, held on 03rd August 2025 at the Omanthai Sports Ground, the Governor said that true sportsmanship lies in striving for victory through fair play rather than shortcuts.
“When we play sports, victory should be our goal. But that victory must be earned through the right path. Winning by taking shortcuts is against the spirit of sports. It is better to fight hard and lose than to win dishonorably,” the Governor said.
He further pointed out that, compared to education, sports receive less attention, and parents share some responsibility for this imbalance. “Education alone cannot improve one’s personality. Participating in other activities, particularly sports, helps shape an individual’s character,” he added.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports, and Youth Affairs of the Northern Province, was chaired by Ministry Secretary M. Patrik Dranjan. Northern Province Chief Secretary Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan attended as the special guest, while Vavuniya District Secretary P.A. Sarath Chandra served as guest of honor.
The Northern Province still has a long way to go in terms of sports. There is also a need to train athletes from a young age. The athletes who have achieved at the provincial level will participate in the national level competition. You should win more medals than the medals our province has won in the past, he also added.
Athletes from all five districts of the Northern Province participated in the festival, which concluded with the awarding of prizes to winners in various sporting events.
