The introduction of semester system in Delhi University colleges has taken its toll on the student’s participation in sports activities.
With the increased academic pressure after the new system was brought in last year, few DU students are willing to take part in such activities and fewer are performing well in their discipline.
Delhi University Sports Council joint secretary Mukesh Agarwal said, “Very few students are withdrawing their names from the discipline, but the quality of the game they played earlier has declined.”
Students are keen to participate in the sports, but pressure of studies and exams at regular intervals are holding the students back, giving them insufficient time to practice. Sandhya Uddar, a handball player at Delhi University, said, “Completion of assignments, attendance and expectations to bring out a good result in semester exams, leaves the players with hardly any time to practice.”
Teachers play a crucial role here, as they promote the game amongst the students and help them in their own ways, she added.
The first semester that started in July had to be wrapped up by November for the exams starting November 20 onwards, with five months in hand and four papers to complete, there was little time left for sports and co-curricular activities.
Earlier, the matches were held almost through out the academic year beginning from August till February, but now the sports is given very little time, Agarwal pointed.