VARANASI, Oct. 14 -- The inter-university sports competition, part of the Kashi Sansad Khelkud Pratiyogita-2026, began at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Tuesday. Scheduled from October 13 to 15, the event opened with a cross-country race for men and women at 6.30 am. Prof Anupam Kumar Nema, general secretary of the University Sports Board, flagged off the race at the Amphitheatre Ground. A total of 56 participants from various universities took part. The BHU administration deployed ambulances and security personnel to ensure the participants' safety. Dr Kavita Verma, secretary of the inter-university Kashi Sansad Khelkud Pratiyogita, said the event was being conducted smoothly with the support of nodal officer Dr Sadanand Gupta and coordinator Dr Pooja Singh. Indian Bank is sponsoring the event. According to results announced by sports in-charge Dr Khurshid Ahmed, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith (MGKVP) dominated both categories. In the men's category, Vipin Yadav of MGKVP secured first place, followed by teammate Pawan Yadav, while Mohit Yadav of BHU finished third. In the women's category, Chhaya Bharti of MGKVP won the race, followed by Kriti Rai of BHU. Several dignitaries and sports enthusiasts attended the inaugural session, including Tenzing of the Central University of Tibetan Studies, BHU deputy chief proctor Prof Nirmala Horo, DAV PG College's Prof Meenu Lakra, Prof T Onimareddy, secretary Dr Deepak Dogra, and Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh, Dr Robin Kumar Singh, Dr Pradeep Khalkho, Dr Dhirendra Tiwari and Dr Vaibhav Rai....