Impressed with the world class sports infrastructure at Hotwar, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has decided to host All India Inter-District Junior Athletics Championships here itself in December.
The information was disclosed by AFI president Adille J Sumariwalla at the opening ceremony of three-day 2nd South Asian Federation (SAF) Junior Athletics Championships on Sunday at Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium of this sports complex. Describing more about the upcoming plans, he said, “Athletes from about 250 districts will contest in this inter-district championships. We are ready to consider this sports hub for the next SAF Senior Athletics Championships and for other international tournaments as well.”
Also, he urged the government to support the game of athletics as it is the basics of sports. Giving this request a warm consideration, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, the special guest of this occasion said, “It is a joyous moment to know that AFI will conduct two or three major tournaments in the coming one year. Hopefully, Jharkhand government will be prepared to take such initiatives.”
Chief Minister (CM) Hemant Soren expressed his joy on this announcement and assured for peaceful organization of this SAF meet like 34th National Games held in this complex in 2011. Chief Guest of the ceremony, Governor Syed Ahmed said, “It is a pride for Jharkhand for marking a huge achievement in the field of sports like archery, hockey and athletics.”
Bhutan however missed its presence here among the eight participating nations comprising India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri lanka and Bhutan. The torch relay of this SAF meet was set alight by Governor Dr Syed Ahmed in the afternoon from his residence gate. Covering the whole city, eminent sportspersons of the state like Pushpa Hassa and Md Wasim entered the stadium around 5pm, just 30 minutes after the commencement of the inaugural ceremony. The main torch at the stadium was then light by renowned international athletes of the State at 5:09 pm.
The cultural event including various dance forms of Jharkhand concluded with the songs of Zinda (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag), Jai Ho (Slum Dog Millionaire) and Aashayein (Iqbal) sung by Amit Sana, runner up of Indian Idol 1. Participants stuck to their chair watching this colourful programme.
Notably, more than 50 per cent seats of the stadium remained vacant. Spectators basically involved the rural school students invited by the State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs department. leading the march past was Afghanistan team with five players, followed by Bangladesh with 19 players, Maldives with five players, Nepal with six players, Pakistan with 17 players, Sri lanka with 40 players and India with 57 players respectively.
Indian athlete queen PT Usha, DGP Rajiv Kumar, SSP Saket Kumar Singh, State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs minister Geetashree Oraon, Secretary Vandana Dadel, Director Dadan Chaubey and other senior state officials were present at this opening ceremony. A musical band road show also attracted the viewer’s interest by singing bollywood songs around the stadium and the city since November 7.