Bhubaneswar: In an effort to spot, develop and promote sports talent among the tribals, the state government Monday launched the ‘Tribal Sports meet-2017’ – the first of its kind in the country.
Inaugurating the meet at Similiguda in Koraput district, Udala in Mayurbhanj district and Sadar Block of Sundargarh district through video conferencing from the state secretariat here, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “This is a pioneering effort on the state government’s part to promote sports among the tribal children and youth.
“The tribal children have tremendous sporting talent reflected in their culture and livelihood. They are doing extremely well in the disciplines of hockey, shooting and athletics. This event will be a platform for them to develop their inner talent,” he said. ‘Olly’ was once more unveiled as the mascot of the event.
The event will be conducted in all the 119 Tribal Sub-Plan blocks across the state. Approximately 500 participants from each block are expected to take part in the meet.
After the block level the event will also be organised at district and state levels in which around 5,000 participants will be present. Players up to 35 years of age are eligible to participate, sports and youth affairs minister Chandra Sarathi Behera informed.
Hockey, football, kabaddi, volleyball and kho kho will be part of team events, while athletics (100m, 400m, 1500m, long jump) and archery will comprise individual events.
The state government will give a total cash reward of Rs 1.8 crore to the winners across the state. The winners will be awarded at state and district levels also. While a cash reward of Rs 3, 61,200 will be given to the district level winners, the state level winners will receive Rs 5,55,600, the statement said.
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