Hatma Basti, the known slum area within the state capital is paving way for sports development as State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Vandana Dadel has assured to refurbish the playground with stakeholders since most of the underprivileged teenagers here are interested in seeking their career in sports.
“We want sports to work as a tool of education, gender inclusion and health schemes meant for this village. A baseline survey will be conducted by us with the support of NGO Magic Bus and Muthoot Group in the days to come. On behalf of our department we shall try to support all the schemes,” said Dadel during the official launch of a sports development programme at this Basti on Tuesday.
To boost up the village sport talent, Dadel confirmed that their department Minister Geetashree Oraon has decided to award Bigan Soy, the goalkeeper of Indian Hockey Junior Women’s team (Under 19) of Khunti block’s Bandhgaon village who stopped 6 penalty strokes out of 8 thereby creating a history in winning country’s first ever bronze medal as the team tipped England 3-2 on penalties.
Anne Kumari, a class 10th student who is being trained by the stakeholders here expressing her confidence said, “I always had an interest in football. Unfortunately, I could not practice as there was no proper space here. Now, that Government is giving us a scope to learn at our ground, I am sure of fulfilling my aspirations.” As many as 50 teenagers here including girls are being trained as Community Youth leader in sphere of their favourite sports by Magic Bus under the aegis of sports department.
“I want my village sisters to groom their desire of becoming a badminton player just like Saina Nehwal. It feels great to see a girl of our age representing India at international tournaments” said class IXth student Neha Kumari Supporting Neha’s view, a girl from Barkagaon village of Hazaribagh who is staying here as paying guest said, “The curiosity of girls and boys for sports is worth notifying. It is great to see the development. National Service Scheme unit of Ranchi Women’s College is also working for developing of this slum arena.”