Star Champion Rushendra Thirupathi Secures Silver at the Yonex-Sunrise Badminton Championship
Badminton star, Rushendra Thirupathi, a first-year BBA student, clinched the silver medal in the Men’s Singles category at the Yonex-Sunrise 11th Telangana State Senior Badminton Championship 2025. Hailing from the state of Telangana, Rushendra’s dedication, discipline and relentless efforts have forged his name in the charts of successful champions in the field of Badminton.
Previously, Rushendra secured gold at the Yonex-Sunrise 46th Junior National Badminton Championships 2023 at Bengaluru and a bronze medal in the NMDC Telangana International Challenge in 2024. After a six-month break, Rushendra returned to the courts with zeal and passion and triumphed through the championship, competing with 142 athletes, placing second after a fierce final match.
After a well-awaited victory, Rushendra expressed his gratitude to his coaches, trainers, and team, who supported him during his time off. He said, “I am sincerely thankful to my coach, mentors, and team from the Gopichand Academy and SRM University-AP, who believed in me and my skills. Their guidance and support empowered me to overcome all difficulties and excel in the championship finals.”
Director of Sports, Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, applauded his remarkable achievement and congratulated the silver medallist. He commented, “This outstanding accolade is a testament to his fighting spirit and the well-rounded training system and facilities offered at SRM University-AP. We empower our athletes to rise, compete, and conquer national and international tournaments.”
Prof Ch. Satish Kumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, appreciated the student. He quoted, “Achievements like this make the university proud and motivate the trainers and coaching team to put in their extra efforts to prepare students for such events.”
Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, also expressed his appreciation for Rushendra, stating that the accomplishments of the rising sports star reflect the university’s spirit—ambitious and unstoppable. He commented, “We take immense pride in the ecosystem SRM AP has built to nurture excellence in sports and support our athletes to be champions of national pride.” The university continues to nurture athletes in various fields, offering divergent training and world-class facilities to generate sporting aces of the country.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sports News, Students Achievements
SRMAP Student, Budde Shanumukhi Naga Sai Shines at Singapore Asia Cup 2025
SRM University-AP, Amaravati, is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Ms Budde Shanumukhi Naga Sai, a first-year B.Com student from the Paari School of Business, who has brought global recognition to the University by breaking two world records and winning three silver medals at the Singapore 2025 Asia Cup Leg 2.
She set a new world record in the Under-21 Women Team (50m Compound) category with a score of 2101, surpassing the previous record of 2076, and also established a new world record in the Under-21 Mixed Team (50m Compound) category with a score of 1420, edging past the earlier record of 1419.
In addition to these record-breaking performances, Shanumukhi clinched three silver medals in the Individual Compound Women, Compound Mixed Team, and Compound Women Team events, solidifying her position as a rising star in international archery.
Reflecting on her success, Shanumukhi shared, “I am truly grateful and proud that my hard work has paid off. This achievement feels surreal, but it has come after navigating through intense pressure and challenging phases. Archery is not just a sport; it’s a game of the mind that demands immense mental strength and control.”
She added, “I believe that individuals with mental resilience and physical discipline can thrive in this game, as it presents limitless opportunities. Women, in particular, have immense potential to break boundaries and reach even greater heights in this field.”
Shanumukhi has been practicing archery for over seven years with a disciplined daily routine starting at 5:00 AM and continuing until 7:00 PM, encompassing both fitness training and skill practice.
Earlier this year, she secured third place in the 44th Junior National Tournament and 41st Sub Junior National Tournament in team, individual, and mixed categories, which were held in Bholpur, West Bengal, and Jaipur, Rajasthan, respectively.
Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, Director – Sports, added, “Shanumukhi’s achievement is truly inspirational. It reflects her dedication, resilience, and the sporting spirit we strive to foster at SRM-AP. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to help our athletes reach greater heights.”
Professor Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, congratulated Shanumukhi on her remarkable feat, “Our students continue to make us proud by excelling on international platforms. Shanumukhi’s success is a testament to the University’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting students’ holistic growth.”
Pro-Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, Dr Satish Kumar, said, “ Shanumukhi’s triumph shines brightly in the league of champions at SRM University-AP. Her outstanding performance on an international stage is a remarkable example of what our students can achieve with perseverance, focus, and the right support.”
SRM University-AP extends its heartiest congratulations to Budde Shanumukhi Naga Sai and wishes her continued success in her future endeavours.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sports News, Students Achievements
SRM University-AP Marks International Yoga Day with Community and Consciousness
SRM University-AP, Amaravati, marked International Yoga Day on June 21 with a spirited celebration, as students, faculty, and staff united in a vibrant display of mindfulness and harmony. The event saw the participation of around 200 attendees and featured diverse yoga styles including fusion, micro, artistic, and group yoga sessions.
Led by Yoga instructor Ms Moni, the demonstrations were energetic and engaging, inspiring all to embrace the practice. The Directorate of Sports, under the leadership of Director Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, organised the event seamlessly, spreading the message of holistic wellness.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome address by Dr Sushmita Kumar, Assistant Director of Sports. She remarked, “The world is celebrating the heritage of India. Yoga reflects the timeless influence of our ancient traditions on modern life. It transcends generations and geographical boundaries, promoting awareness and physical strength. This year’s theme, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, reinforces Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—a Sanskrit phrase meaning ‘The world is one family”. This emphasises the importance of caring for ourselves and the planet alike.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora spoke about the deeper significance of yoga, stating, “June 21 marks an important planetary alignment where energies are high, which is why it must have been chosen for International Yoga Day. To connect with the Supreme, one must be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. True health is the alignment of all these dimensions.”
He added, “Yoga is not merely a physical exercise, it involves breathwork, emotional balance, and spiritual connection. Only when all aspects of well-being are in harmony can we live truly fulfilling lives. This alignment, in fact, is what education ultimately seeks to achieve along with intellectual and economic well-being .”
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr Satish Kumar, echoed this sentiment and described yoga as India’s timeless gift to the world, stressing that it should be a daily practice rather than an annual observance. “Thousands of years ago, Patanjali gifted us this profound practice. While other countries have brought different things to the world some positive, some harmful, India has given the world yoga: peace, culture, and a way of life. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of yoga daily can transform your well-being. Make it a part of your routine,” he urged.
Earlier in the day, Ms Moni also conducted yoga sessions at the Government High School in Neerukonda, where young students participated with enthusiasm. She further led yoga sessions for around 90 participants, including men and women from nearby villages, who actively engaged in the community-driven initiative.
- Published in News, Sports News
Kunja Rajitha, SRM-AP’s Trailblazer, Clinches Gold at the 26th Asian Athletics Championship
Ms Kunja Rajitha, a first-year B.Com. student at Paari School of Business, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, brought immense pride to the nation and the institution by clinching a Gold Medal in the Women’s 4×400m Relay at the 26th Asian Athletics Championship held at Gumi, South Korea, on Thursday.
Rajitha was part of the formidable relay team, which included Jisna Mathew, Rupal Chaudhary, and Subha Venkatesan. The team delivered a season-best time of 3:34.18s, edging past Vietnam and Srilanka in the finals. This victory marks a historic comeback for India, earning the first gold in this event since 2013, ending a 12-year wait.
Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, Director – Sports, SRM University-AP, congratulated her, saying, “Rajitha’s achievement is a testament to her hard work and resilience. Her performance on such a prestigious international platform inspires all student-athletes nationwide. Competing and winning at the Asian level reflects the caliber of talent we are proud to nurture at SRM University-AP.”
Prof Satish Kumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, said, “ Rajitha’s journey reminds us that students can rise to any challenge with the right support and determination. Her dedication, perseverance, and success embody the spirit of excellence we strive to cultivate in the students here at our varsity. Her success adds to the growing legacy of SRM University-AP as a hub for emerging talent and global achievers.”
Prof Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, also lauded her win, saying, ” This victory is not just a personal milestone in Rajitha’s career but also a significant achievement celebrated by all of us here who have followed and supported her progress. Her gold medal win reinforces our vision of holistic student development. We take extreme pride in her success and look forward to many more such triumphs.”
Kunja Rajitha hails from a humble and inaccessible tribal village near Kunavaram in the Alluri district of Andhra Pradesh state. Despite all odds, she continued her education while pursuing her dream and became a national-level athlete. Rajitha bagged gold in the 400-metre sprint event at the Khelo India Youth Games-2022, held in Haryana. She also secured second place in a similar event in the 2019 edition of Khelo India held in Assam. In 2018, Rajitha joined Tenvic Sports Academy in Nellore. Later, she trained under coach Mike Russell at SAA Centre of Excellence in Guntur.
Rajitha’s remarkable achievement reflects SRM University-AP’s unwavering commitment to fostering the overall development, where students are encouraged to pursue excellence in sports alongside academics on both national and international platforms.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sports News
Tejas 2025: Employee Sports Fest – Concludes with Enthusiasm and Sportsmanship
SRM University-AP witnessed a spirited culmination of Tejas 2025, the much-awaited sports fest for employees, with its grand Valedictory Ceremony on April 11, 2025.
The ceremony commenced with video highlights capturing the thrilling moments and memorable performances from Tejas. Mr Isaac Samala Gerard, Director of Human Resource Development (HRD), delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the evening. He proudly shared that the event saw enthusiastic participation from 373 employees across the University. The felicitation of winners and runners was conducted by Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor; Prof. C V Tomy, Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS); and Dr R Premkumar, Registrar.
Badminton – In the Men’s Singles category, Mr P Udayaraju emerged as the winner, while Dr Anuj Pradeep Deshpande secured the runner-up position. In the Women’s Singles, Ms Revathi Balakrishnan was the runner-up.
The Women’s Doubles title was clinched by Ms Revathi and Ms K.M. Moni, with Ms Veda Sri and Ms Sai Arpitha finishing as runners-up. The Men’s Doubles saw Dr Mallavalli Sitha Ram and Mr Pamula Udayaraju crowned winners, while Dr Harish Puppala and Dr Uma Maheshwar Arepalli secured the runners-up position.
Chess – Dr B Deepak Raj won the Men’s title, with Mr Chinnakeseva Reddy B as the runner-up. The Women’s Chess winner was Dr Ananya Mahanti, and Ms Veda Sri took the runner-up spot.
Carrom – Mr K. Srinivas Rao and Ms Navya Kala triumphed in the Men’s and Women’s Carrom categories, respectively. Mr Chintakrindi Manikantha and Ms Veda Sri were declared runners-up.
Rope Skipping – In Rope Skipping, the Men’s Gold medal went to Mr Renuka Babu, with Mr Amos K and Mr Manohar securing Silver and Bronze, respectively. For the Women, Ms R. Ratna Prabha won Gold, followed by Ms Sandhya Rani (Silver) and Ms K.M. Moni (Bronze).
Pushups – Displaying their strength and endurance, Dr KV Ganesh won Gold in the Men’s Pushup category, while Mr Kiran Puli and Mr B Arjun Kumar took Silver and Bronze, respectively. In the Women’s category, Ms Bhanu Priya won Gold, with Ms Navya Kala and Ms T Y Radha securing Silver and Bronze.
Throwball – In the Women’s Throwball event, Team Admin Support claimed victory, while Team Academic Support finished as runners-up.
Cricket – The Cricket tournament concluded with Team CSE Classics lifting the winner’s trophy and Team Admin Aces finishing as runners-up, after an exhilarating series of matches.
Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, addressed the gathering and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the participants, applauding their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, Director of Campus Life and Maintenance, who acknowledged the relentless efforts of all those who contributed to the seamless execution of the event.
A final video montage encapsulating the vibrant moments of Tejas 2025 concluded the evening, leaving the audience with memories of camaraderie and celebration.
- Published in News, Sports News
Padma Shri P T Usha Inaugurates SRM AP Sports Fest – UDGAM’25
UDGAM ‘25, the National Level Sports Fest was flagged-off in the presence of former Olympian and President of Indian Olympic Association, Padma Shri P T Usha. The National level Meet commenced with the lighting of the Olympic torch marking the start of the 3-day fest. The National Level Sports Fest also transformed into a platform that honoured and celebrated the achievements of sporting legends like Jessie Raj, Retd army officer Mr Varra Prasad Reddy and Ms Akula Hyama.
UDGAM 2025 is set to witness 40+ competitons with 2000+ students and a promising prize pool of over rupees 10 Lakhs. The meet saw the presence of Registrar Dr R Premkumar; Director I/C Sports and Director-Campus Life Management, Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi; Assistant Director-Sports, Dr Sushmita Kumari; Faculty, Staff and Students.
Addressing the gathering, Smt P T Usha emphasised the significance of a national level sports fest of this stature. She stated, “Sports have a profound role in shaping character. It is a journey of discipline, persistence and resilience and instills the spirit of never giving up in the face of adversity.”
Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora remarked, “UDGAM is our signature sports fest. Our aim is to nurture athletes who will emerge as future champions with our remarkable amenities and infrastructure.” He also wished all the participants to engage wholeheartedly and embody the true spirit of sportsmanship.
The 3-day sports fest aims to bring together athletes from across the country and saw a wide participation from some of the renowned colleges like VIT-AP; Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amaravati; Vignan University; K L University; Mohan Babu University, Tirupati; Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engineering (LBRCE); Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College, Gudlavalleru, among many others.
The fest will feature individual events, team sports and e-sports along with various track and field events for both men and women. Assistant Director-Sports Dr Sushmita Kumari commented, “UDGAM, our Annual Sports Fest is a forum that does not just test your skills but helps you embody the qualities that define great individuals. In the spirit of sportsmanship, I urge all participants to compete with integrity and passion and inspire us all with your performances”
UDGAM 2025 promises to be an exciting avenue for students to showcase their skills and compete at a national level, demonstrating their sporting spirit and talent. Participants will have the opportunity to not just compete against some of the best teams in the country and learn from top coaches but also win lucrative prizes.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sports News
Dr Sushmita on Media, Marketing, and Management in Sports
Dr Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director of Sports, has authored a book titled “Media, Marketing, and Management in Sports: A Unified Approach.” Her publication presents a thorough examination of the pivotal roles that media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations play within the sports industry. Aimed at both students and professionals, the book delivers valuable perspectives on fan engagement, sponsorship dynamics, and effective crisis management. Through the use of real-world examples, Dr Sushmita highlights the transformative influence of digital media and the necessity for global adaptability in sports communication, making it an indispensable resource for anyone aspiring to succeed in the field of Sports.
Abstract:
The book, provides a comprehensive exploration of sports communication and management. It highlights the significance of media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations in shaping the success and image of sports entities. By integrating real-world examples, it delves into the interplay of traditional and digital platforms, showcasing their role in fan engagement, sponsorships, and crisis management. The content equips readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of sports media and branding.
Target Audience:
The book is designed for students and professionals in sports management, communication, and media industries. It caters to academics, sports enthusiasts, PR practitioners, and industry leaders who seek to enhance their expertise in sports branding, marketing, and public relations.
Collaboration Details:
Acknowledgments highlight the contributions of mentors, colleagues, students, and industry experts, emphasizing the book’s foundation in academic and practical insights. It also includes case studies and experiences from media professionals, enhancing its relevance and applicability.
Social or Practical Implications:
- Digital Transformation: The book addresses the transformative power of social and digital media in fan interaction and brand promotion.
- Crisis Management: It provides strategies for managing crises in sports, ensuring sustained reputation and stakeholder trust.
- Global Engagement: It emphasizes the importance of adapting to globalization and cultural sensitivities in sports communication.
- Sponsorship Dynamics: Insights into sponsorship management underline its role in generating revenue and aligning brand values.
- Published in News, Research News, Sports News
Student Athelete Deepthi Jeevanji Felicitated for Winning the Arjuna Award
SRM University-AP honoured the accomplishments of its student and Paris Paralympian, Ms Deepthi Jeevanji, who is a recipient of the Arjuna Award this year on January 24, 2025. Deepthi, a student of commerce at the Paari School of Business, represented India at the Paris Paralympics 2024 in the 400-meter T20 event and secured a bronze medal, becoming the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal.
The felicitation ceremony featured Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Director of Campus Life and Maintenance and Director I/C of Sports, Mr Anup Suryavanshi and Former IIT Madras Faculty, Prof. N Siva Prasad presented Ms Jeevanji with award cheques of rupees twenty-five lakh for her Paralympic success and an additional fifteen lakh rupees for winning the Arjuna Award.
The event served as a platform to encourage aspiring students to pursue sports and consider it as a career option. During the ceremony, Deepthi expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is an immense honour to represent my country on such a prestigious global platform. The support from the management, staff, and my teachers at SRM University-AP played a crucial role in helping me achieve success.”
Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora highlighted the importance of sports in education and the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. He stated, “We are proud of her achievement and hope she participates in the next Paralympics too, bringing gold to the country.” He also emphasised that the university is here to provide any form of support for her way forward in sports. Registrar Dr R Premkumar acknowledged Deepthi’s remarkable accomplishment and expressed pride in her historic success.
Director – Campus Life and Maintenance and Director I/C of Sports, Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, mentioned in the press meeting that followed, SRM University-AP has allocated seventy lakh rupees to encourage its high-performing students in sports. He noted that the university’s sporting infrastructure is on par with international standards and welcomes students from across the country to join its Sports Department.
The felicitation event also saw the announcements of the university’s upcoming National-Level Sports Fest, UDGAM 2025 which will see participation from over 3,200 students from across the country. Arjuna Awardee Ms Deepthi Jeevanji unveiled the event brochure to the members of the media.
- Published in News, Sports News, Students Achievements
Celebrating Sporting Excellence at Inter School Sports Championship
The Directorate of Sports at SRM University-AP proudly hosted the grand closing ceremony of the Inter School Sports Championship (ISC), a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication among students. The event, attended by esteemed guests including Chief Guest Naveen Chary, a renowned fitness influencer, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Deans, Directors, and a vibrant crowd of students, marked the culmination of a remarkable four-week journey.
The ISC Championship witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 2,247 students from all three schools: the School of Engineering and Sciences, the Paari School of Business, and the Easwari School of Liberal Arts. Participants showcased their skills in a variety of sports, promoting camaraderie and school spirit throughout the event.
Among the games, cricket was the most popular, attracting 900 participants; Badminton followed with 482 participants and volleyball with 256 participants. The football, basketball, and chess competitions also saw enthusiastic participation, with 180, 102, and 167 players, respectively. The School of Engineering and Sciences (SEAS) emerged as the triumphant winner of the prestigious rolling trophy.
“This championship has not only highlighted our students’ athletic abilities but has also been instrumental in cultivating a culture of sportsmanship at SRM University-AP,” said Dr Dhiraj Parasher, Director of Sports, SRM University-AP. “It has opened pathways for students to consider sports as a viable career option, enriching their overall university experience.”
The closing ceremony featured an engaging live performance by Band Kadali, along with captivating classical and Western dance performances by talented students.
In his address, Registrar Dr R Premkumar reflected on the significance of the event: “As we celebrate these achievements, let us carry forward the enthusiasm and lessons learned during this championship into all our future endeavours, both in sports and academics. The friendships forged and experiences gained here will resonate within our community for years to come.”
The ISC Championship has proven to be more than just a competitive event; it has served as a platform for personal growth, team spirit, and the forging of lasting bonds among students, making it a memorable chapter in the SRM University-AP journey.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sports News
“From Andhra to Paris” – SRM AP’s Rising Star Selected for Paris Olympics 2024
Ms Jyothika Sri Dandi, our first-year B.A. student at the Easwari School of Liberal Arts, has qualified for the Indian Women’s 4x400m Relay Team for the world’s foremost sports competition, the Paris Olympics 2024. Dr Dhiraj Parasher, Director–Sports, congratulated Ms Jyothika on this phenomenal achievement. He remarked, “To become an Olympian is a monumental mark in the career of an athlete. We are swelled with pride and offer unwavering support as we soundly believe that Jyothika will create history and return as an Olympic champion.”
Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora also expressed his pride and zeal by stating, “Ms Jyothika is a national treasure that instils a belief and ambition in every young girl who dreams of being an Olympian. We, at SRM University-AP, wish her success and victory as she crafts her name in the tapestry of champions.”
Hailing from Tanuku town in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, the two-time national champion has paved her way to the elite sports championship through hard work, determination, and resilience.
Ms Jyothika had her breakthrough in 2021 when she secured Gold in the 400-metre race at the Indian U23 Championships. Her winning streak continued as she forged ahead to make her mark in 2023 by winning the Indian National Open Championships for 400 metres race in Thiruvananthapuram and winning bronze in the women’s 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok. Her blistering pace and performance at the 2024 World Relays Championships in Nassau, Bahamas, secured the Indian women’s relay team’s ticket to the Paris Olympics.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolds, it is a moment of pride and anticipation for SRM University-AP as the institute extends its heartfelt wishes to Ms Jyothika and the Indian contingent representing our nation on this monumental platform.
- Published in News, Sports News, student affairs news, Students Achievements