Punjab initiates 'catch them young' scheme

Jalandhar, Oct 1 (UNI) To promote sports at grassroot level, Punjab Sports Department has initiated a "Catch them young scheme" to pick talented players and impart them special training to prepare them for national tournaments and other big events.

"The selected players under this scheme will be placed in different wings or camps for vigorous training to participate in the coming National Rural Sports Meet", said Pargat Singh Director Sports Punjab here today.

As Part of the scheme, the department recently organised Punjab State Rural Games in Mansa district for boys under 16 in ten disciplines such as Athletics, Archery, Football, Hockey, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Tug of war and wrestling, in which Ludhiana won the overall championship, Taran Taran got second place whereas Jalandhar stood at third position, he revealed.

"The department has made an effort to involve about 1.50 lakh players from the rural background under the scheme of Central Government namely, 'Panchayati Yuva Krira Aur Khel Abhiyan' for the year 2008-09" Mr Singh said adding that Rs 250 lakh would be spent under this rural competition programme.

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