LAHORE - The 111th Annual Sports of the Government College University Lahore Friday kicked off with a grand inaugural ceremony here at the university ground. The ceremony began with a grand march past which was attended by hundreds of students, university faculty members and old Ravians. As many as 30 university departments and institutes participated in the commendable march past. However, GCU Botany Department bagged the prestigious trophy of best march past contingent while GCU Department of Political Sciences stood second. The Department of English, owing to their discipline and uniformity, adjudicated third. The GCU athletes, lead by GCU 110th Annual Sports record-holder (javelin throw) Altaf Hussain, took oath that they would take part in annual games abiding by the rules and in the true spirit of sportsmanship for the glory of sports and the honour of their teams. GCU musicians hailing from Nazir Ahmed Music Society (NAMS) this year presented a new anthem for 111th GCU Athletics Meet. In his message on the annual sports, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Aftab said sports make a person better human being, adding that it teaches tolerance and encourages the spirit of competitiveness. He advised the university students to never compromise on the standards of sportsmanship. "Sportsmanship is more important than winning an event, Dr Khalid Aftab added. He appreciated the participation of students in Annual Sports and congratulated the position holder sportsmen of the competitions held at the opening ceremony. Later, the first day of the annual sports event was marked by 800 meters race which was won by Geography Department student Zeeshan Akram by covering the distance in 2:04.31 seconds. Zeeshan also came victorious in 3000 metres race. In 200 meters race, M Aoun, a student of Intermediate, secured the first position with his impressive timing of 22:69 seconds. Long jump event was won by Adnan Jahangir. Allem Butt of Geography Department bagged gold medal in shot put as the distance was measured up to 11 metres. Department of Political Science student Khurshid Ahmed brought victory to his department in 110 m hurdle race. Sadaf Aslam from History department won 100 meters race for girls. Student of Urdu Department Qasim Ali won the high jump event, whereas Altaf Hussain of Political Science Department threw Javelin to 42.02 metres to secure the top spot. The main event of the day was 4x100 meters relay race which was won by the Department of Urdu. GCU Director Sports Prof Khadim Ali Khan encouraged the participants of GCU 111th Annual Athletics Meet and hoped to see more sports activities coming in their way. He wished to provide healthier environment to GCU students by planning more sports activities in this year. The athletics events of 5000 meters, 1500 meters, triple jump, and pole vault will be held at the university ground (Old Campus) today (Saturday) while the most enthralling Gymkhana events which include ministerial staff race, naib qasid race, four legged race, cricket throw ball for girls, pillow fighting, staff children race, stilt race, 60 meter race, sack race, chatti race for girls and obstacle race will be held at the closing ceremony to be held at GCU Oval Ground tomorrow (Sunday).