The State Government is gearing up to host 60th National School Sports from November 1 to 4. Seven sports disciplines of this tournament including Hockey, Archery, Field Archery, Badminton, Silambam, Cycling and Kudo for three age categories are scheduled in the state capital.
“Many of our stadiums are in need of minor repairing. We have already begun the repairing process. The broken sheds of Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morhabadi are being changed. Tiles bearing the names of stadiums at Mega Sports Complex, Hotwar will soon be replaced. Unless we do not focus on continuous maintenance of our sports infrastructure, we will not be in a position to host upcoming national or international tournaments,” Sports Director Dadan Choubey said on Monday.
According to Choubey, they are yet to receive a final confirmation from School Games Federation of India (SGFI) for hosting the games in November. Notably, National School Sports is also termed as SGFI National School Games.
However, official sources at Hotwar and website of SGFI clearly mention the routine of these events at the state capital. “Ranchi is surely hosting the games in November. last year too we were fortunate to manage some of the disciplines of School Games here,” an
official of Sports Authority of Jharkhand said.
In Hockey, boys and girls under-14 years and under-17 years will be playing. Both the genders under-14 years will be competing for archery and silambam. In under-17 years category badminton, silambam and cycling games are to be held. In under-19 years category Kudo, cycling, silambam and field archery competitions will be conducted.
As of now, keeping the student-centric games in mind, a committee under the supervision Assistant Administrator Sports Sarvar Imam has been made to look after the budget.
“We are waiting for SGFI’s final letter. Once we get it, tenders for the management affairs will be floated,” Choubey added. Meanwhile, Ranchi might get an opportunity of hosting South Asian Senior Championships by the end of this year or by March 2015.
Referring the championships, Jharkhand Olympic Association General Secretary SM Hashmi said, “India is assigned to host the next South Asian Senior Championships. It will either be held at New Delhi or Ranchi. The final decision on venue is to be done by South Asian Olympic Association. Thereafter, Indian Olympic Association will be informed. Since we have hosted South Asian Junior Championships successfully last year and have a world-class sports infrastructure, there are maximum chances of hosting the senior meet as well.”