CONRAD DIAS
Ranchi, Sept 10: The number of members of the Jharkhand athletics team, which earlier had 171 members, has now gone up to 265 including coaches and managers to take part in different events in the upcoming 36th National Games to be held in Gujarat from September 27 to October 10, as informed by the president of Jharkhand Athletics Association Madhu Kant Pathak.
“A few more teams for different events have been added to the Jharkhand Squad which includes Handball (3), Gymnastic (1), Judo (2) and Rowing (12). Due to this, the number of members from Jharkhand has gone up from 171 to 265,” the president said.
He added that the association is expecting maximum medals from the Archery and Lawn Bowls team this time which will take part in the event in Gujarat.
A total of six boxers from the state will participate in the tournament. This includes three male and three female boxers. The role of a coach can be given to Ajit Singh of Tata Training Center. Suraj Soy (48-51kg), Jaydev Devgam (54-57kg), Kirandeep Singh (57-60kg), Ritu Kumari (54-57kg), Sabiha Khanum (57-60kg) and Nisha Kumari (63-66 kg) have been selected in the probable team of Jharkhand.
The president further informed that more than 50 officials from Jharkhand will be involved in the tournament including coaches and managers.
Archer Hiramani Sinku of Residential Archery Training Center Kumardungi secured the first position in the selection trial and will participate in the 36th National Games which is considered to be the biggest game of the Indian Round. However, Indian star archer Deepika Kumari will not be participating in this year’s event.
Notably, Yogasana and Mallakhamba, successfully introduced in the Khelo India Youth Games, will debut at the 36th National Games.
Roller skating, softball and soft tennis are other sports that have been included in the National Games whereas beach handball, beach volleyball and yachting have been excluded.