Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said that the State Government’s focus is on all round development of Jharkhand by means of sports. Therefore, in this year’s Budget there is special focus on tourism and sports and also sportspersons will get all facilities and help from the government, he said.
The CM was addressing people at the SS Girls’ High School, Simdega’s Astro Turf ground during the inaugural ceremony of 11th Hockey India Women’s Sub Junior Tournament. On the occasion, he encouraged sportswomen of 22 States participating in the tournament.
Soren said that organizing such a national competition in a district like Simdega is a special memorable day for Jharkhand, especially for Simdega dwellers and hockey lovers. This will give a boost to the game and the players here.
The CM said that dozens of international hockey players have come out from backward areas like Simdega, Khunti and Gumla. “Only Simdega district has given more than four dozen players to the country. Three players from Karangguri village in the same district have been included in the Indian team. All of us are proud of these sportspersons who have brought honour to the nation and the State. Hockey is inside the heart of the youth in this area. Hockey players are prepared here in the same way that crops are grown in the fields. Therefore it is known to the whole world as a nursery of hockey,” he said.
The CM said that the government is constantly making efforts to promote sports and sportspersons. In this connection sports officers have been appointed in all the districts. At the same time, the government is also appointing the players directly. Very soon 39 players are going to get the benefit of direct appointment.
During his address, the CM said that players from all the states, who have come to participate in the competition, will be given a tour of the tourist places located around Simdega.
He also made some announcements including, setting up of Hockey Center of Excellence in Ranchi. In the first phase, Astro Turf Ground will be constructed in 15 schools of the State. Sido Kanhu clubs will be formed all over the State, each club will get Rs 25,000.
State-of-the-art Astro Turf Stadium will be constructed at Simdega at a cost of Rs 18.5 crore. Apart from the hostel, there will also be a court of volleyball and basketball. Modern athletics track will be laid in Simdega district.