PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, Dec 15: As many as 72,000 youths of 14 to 19 years from the Naxal-affected Chaibasa, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Khunti, Gumla and Simdega districts will get an opportunity to showcase their skills in the field of sports as Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the Sports Action Towards Harnessing Aspiration Of Youths (SAHAY).
Talented youth in sports from Panchayat, ward, block and district level will get an opportunity to show their skills in sports including hockey, football, volleyball and athletics. The scheme will be operated by the Sports Department of Jharkhand.
The objective of the scheme is to motivate the youth of Naxal affected areas towards a positive life by giving them an identity through sports. In the competitions organized under the scheme, winners and runners-up at the district and state levels will also be honoured by giving incentives.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that some areas of Jharkhand have been affected by Naxalism for years, but attempts were made to make it frightening by other people, who do not know anything about the tribals, indigenous language, culture and tradition here.
“We have to try to change this picture to create an atmosphere of happiness in the remote forests of Jharkhand and efforts will be made to create a positive environment in the fields, barns, towns, so that no one can mislead our youth,” the CM said.
Under SAHAY, potential sports talent will be identified from the Panchayat level and taken to the Block level and District level where they will be prepared for national and international sports events.
Minister Alamgir Alam, Minister Joba Manjhi, Minister Satyanand Bhokta, Minister Hafeezul Ansari, MP Geeta Koda, former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, MLAs, sportspersons and others were present on the occasion.
