Bhagalpur: For the first time in the history of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU), which came to existence in the 1960s, Sankit Kumar (18) an undergraduate student, will represent the country in the 2018 FISU World Inter-University Kayaking and Canoeing Championship, 2018, at Szolnok in Hungary from August 10-12.

TMBU vice-chancellor Nalini Kant Jha, along with all varsity employees and students, are excited over Sankit's achievement and have wished him their best.

The varsity arranged all expenditure Sankit would need to travel and his entry fee, altogether amounting to almost Rs 2.16 lakh, before Sankit proceeded to Chandigarh in the last week of June.

A student of BA Part-I from Shanker Sha Vikramshila College, Kahalgaon, a constituent college of TMBU, Sankit hails from a poor family and was selected in the Indian team for the world inter-university team.

According to Manoj Kumar, the secretary and trainer of Bihar Kayaking and Canoeing Association, Sankit, a medallist from the varsity, was selected during the selection trials on the basis of his best performances on July 2 at Punjab University, Chandigarh.

"We are really proud of a talented young player like Sankit and cent per cent sure that he will create a record at Hungary," Manoj said on Sunday.

He added that Sankit had started his special month-long practice at Sukhna lake in Chandigarh from July 7 to August 6 before proceeding to Hungary. "Sankit applies all his energy in the final practice with many modern facilities and has been concentrating on winning in the championship," Manoj said.

He said till now, Sankit has been performing on the basis of his talent but to take part in a competition at the international level, a performer like Sankit needs modern techniques just boost his skills in the game, Manoj said. "We are highly excited and expecting very good performance from Sankit, who in the first time of the history of TMBU is scheduled to represent this varsity abroad," professor Jha said.

Pro-vice-chancellor professor R. Prasad, dean students' welfare, professor Yogendra, registrar professor A.K. Jha, along with many varsity officials, teachers and students also extended their best wishes for Sankit's success in the international championship.

Students of the college at Kahalgaon are equally excited for Sankit. "Despite from a poor village background, Sankit was never discouraged and constantly practises mostly on the Ganga. We expect that he will certainly create a record in Hungary," said professor Pawn Kumar Singh, a senior teacher at Shanker Sha Vikramshila College, Kahalgaon.