Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) was filled with enthusiasm today as it kicked off the fifth edition of its annual intra-university sports festival, Drona 5.0. The opening ceremony set a lively tone for what is anticipated to be an exhilarating display of athletic talent, teamwork, and youthful energy.

The event was officially launched by the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of HPNLU, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, who attended as the Chief Guest. She received a warm welcome from faculty, staff, and students before declaring the fest open. In her opening remarks, Dr. Saxena praised the vibrant spirit of the student body and emphasized the significance of sports in fostering character, discipline, and camaraderie.

“Engaging in sports goes beyond merely winning trophies. It instills values like integrity, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that are vital in both life and the field of law,” she stated, motivating participants to engage with enthusiasm and fairness.

Prior to the inauguration, Dr. Praveen, Chairperson of the Sports Committee, energized the audience with a welcoming speech. He underscored the transformative impact of sports on students, highlighting its capacity to cultivate leadership, resilience, and a well-rounded mindset.

This year's Drona festival has attracted over 300 student athletes, who will compete in various sports including futsal, badminton, volleyball, cricket, chess, eSports, and numerous other indoor and outdoor activities. The fest is not only a competitive platform but also a cultural celebration of unity and youthful determination.

Spanning several days, Drona 5.0 is poised to become a significant highlight on HPNLU's calendar, merging competitive spirit with a sense of community. With a full schedule of matches and events, the festival aims to inspire, energize, and enhance the sports culture within the university.