Chief Minister Raghubar Das during an event announced that two Centres of Excellence will be established to promote football in the State. The Jharkhand Sports Authority will convert Birsa Munda Football Center, Ranchi and Sido-Kanhu Football Center located at Deoghar into Centres of Excellence.
"The State Government has constituted Kamal club in all the blocks of Jharkhand in the year 2017 to polish the talents of sports enthusiast residing in rural pockets of the State. It is the priority of the State Government to take forward the football game and promote the players," the CM said while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the concluding ceremony of Chief Minister Invitation Football Tournament 2018 at the Ranchi College Ground here on Monday.
The meritorious football players at the panchayat, block and district level will be given football kits free of cost. The Government will also provide coach for training the players. Free dress and sports equipments will be provided to the children of tribal communities," added the CM.
Also, in a major attempt to boost the sport, the CM announced that the State Government will give reservation of two per cent in the State-level Government job to those who will win medals or awards in international level competitions.
Appreciating the skills of girls who are continuously performing well bringing many laurels to the State, the CM said, "The State Government has decided to constitute a football team of girls at every block and district. The girls' team will also be provided with all game related facilities. The government will take all necessary steps to recognise their talent at the State level."
The CM highlighted about the glorious records of sports persons from Jharkhand who played at international level gaining much appreciation across the globe. Further, the CM said that Jharkhand is a State full of possibilities. "The time has come when the State touches the heights of development in every sector. With the power of youths, every dream can be achieved," the CM asserted.
The CM congratulated the members of champion team Ranchi and the runner-up Seraikela. In women football match, Ranchi team emerged as the winner defeating West Singhbhum.
On the occasion, the CM handed over a cheque of Rs. 20 lakh to international player Sumrai Tete and a cheque of Rs. 10 lakh to hockey player Nikki Pradhan, ace Archer Madhumita Kumari also received a cheque of Rs. 10. Archer Jayant received a cheque of Rs. 5 lakh.
Minister of Tourism, Sports and Art Amar Kumar Bauri, Urban Development Minister CP Singh, Ranchi MP Ram Tahal Chaudhary, Secretary, Tourism, Sports and Art Culture Secretary Rahul Sharma, Former international hockey player Silvanus Dungdung, Manohar Toppo, Former Captain Indian football team Kalyan Choubey, President Jharkhand Football Association Ghulam Rabani, Director Sports Ashok Singh, members of sports associations including others were present.