NYK to organise rural sports event

Bhopal, June 5 (UNI) In a bid to promote rural sporting talent, the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) will organise various sports competitions in Madhya Pradesh.

NYK Vice president Meenakshi Natarajan told reporters here today that the competitions would start from August 20 on the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary and will continue up to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.

As many as 37 districts will participate in the competition -- which will include sports like badminton, kho-kho, kabaddi, volleyball, football and athletics.

Ms Natarajan said the competition was being organised as an experiment to promote rural sporting talent for the first time in the country. The Centre had made Rs 66 lakh available for the purpose.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and states sports associations would be included in these competitions -- which would be organised at block and district levels. The winners would receive prize from the NYK.

She added that 35,000 rural youths between 13-35 age group were expected to take part in the event.

UNI AG-PS AY RS1809