7/1/2019
PUNE: Maharashtra
is all geared up to host the second edition of the Khelo India Youth Games,
which will officially begin on January 9 in Pune, with
"improved"sports infrastructure, including an upgraded shooting
range.
Maharashtra Sports Minister Vinod Tawde today said
competitions will take place in 18 different disciplines and over 900 athletes
from the host state will take part in these Games. "It is an honour for
Maharashtra to host these games. We got some funds from the Centre and the
state government also chipped in to refurbish sports infrastructure at the
Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.”
"All the stadiums have been upgraded. Electronic and
digital targets have been fitted at the shooting range," said the
minister. "Around 14,000 persons, including 9,000 sportspersons and 4,000
managers, will be coming for the Games. The accommodation of players has been
made in good hotels in and around Pune and not in dormitories," said
Tawde.
According to the minister, last year Maharashtra was ranked
second. "This time, those who were selected for Khelo India from the state
(Maharashtra) got special training for 8 or 15 days depending on their
discipline. "Because of Khelo India, these sportspersons will be
identified at a young age, get training and scholarship, which will benefit
them in their career," added Tawde.
According to Tawde, today's young generation has become
"cyber-slaves" and Khelo India in Maharashtra will start a
"movement against cyber-slavery. We want to develop sports culture in
school kids, college youth, so we have started appealing to schools and
colleges to have one evening in a week as no gadget evening," the minister
informed.
Meanwhile, Tawde also dwelt on the work done by his ministry. "We
have decided to grant 10 to 20 marks extra in the final exams for those who
play school games and give 5 per cent reservation in government jobs for those
who participate at national level competitions. "Those who will win medals
at the international level will be directly given jobs," he said.
Officials said since there are many teams for hockey, their
matches have started here from Monday, so that they end by January 20. They
said while the Balewadi sports complex will be the main venue, archery will be
held at the Army Sports Institute and girls hockey matches at the NDA hockey
ground in Pune. Football matches will be played at the Flame University ground
and the police ground in Shivajinagar, the officials informed.
Ace shooter Tejaswini Sawant and athlete Rachita Mistry were
present on the occasion. It has already been announced that Youth Olympics gold
medallists in shooting, Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary, as well as
weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga, will be among the cream of India's young
sporting talent competing at these Games.
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