The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has launched its 2025/2026 Freshers’ Inter-College Games, with university leaders using the opening ceremony to underline sport as a pillar of discipline, leadership and institutional ambition.

The Chairman of the KNUST Sports Management Committee, Prof. Emmanuel Adinyira, performed a ceremonial kick-off at a brief but symbolic event attended by Vice Chairman Prof. Monday Omoniyi Moses and the Director of Sports.

In his welcome remarks, Director of Sports Dr. Timothy Mensah thanked staff and students for their participation and described the Freshers’ Games as a cornerstone of the university’s sporting calendar, designed to integrate new students into campus life through structured competition.

Addressing participants, Prof. Adinyira said sport at KNUST extends beyond medals and trophies.

“Sport at KNUST is not only about winning medals; it is about discipline, unity, leadership, and our march from excellence to eminence,” he said, welcoming first-year students into what he described as a community committed to holistic development.

He linked the tournament to the university’s Corporate Strategic Plan, PLAN2K35, which seeks to position KNUST as a leading institution in university sports and creative arts across Africa.

According to him, the strategy aims to connect athletic performance with academic research in sports science, health, and community development, creating opportunities for innovation and practical application of knowledge beyond the playing field.

“This approach ensures that sport becomes a laboratory for research, learning and national development,” he added.

This year’s competition will feature male and female teams from the university’s colleges competing in football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, netball, handball, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton and goalball.