Event Inauguration at Birsa Munda Football Stadium
Ranchi: The Jharkhand State Level Rural and Indigenous Tribal Sports Competition 2024 commenced on Friday at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morhabadi. This two-day event, organized by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs, aims to showcase and promote traditional sports among the rural and tribal communities of the state.
Dignitaries Grace the Opening Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was marked by the presence of prominent officials. Sandeep Kumar, Director of Sports, Jharkhand Administrative Service, served as the chief guest. He was joined by Ajay Nath Jha, Commissioner for Tribal Welfare, Jharkhand; Raj Kishore Khakha, Joint Director of the Samaj; and Manish Kumar, Deputy Director of Sports. Together, they lit the ceremonial lamp to formally begin the competition.
Honoring District Sports Officers
As part of the ceremony, several district sports officers were recognized for their contributions. Those honored included Rupa Rani Tirki from West Singhbhum, Upvan Baada from Lohardaga, Markus Hemrom from Ramgarh, Umesh Lohra from Dhanbad, and Shivendra Kumar from Ranchi. They were presented with mementos and traditional garments as tokens of appreciation.
Diverse Traditional Sports Events
The competition features a wide array of traditional sports that highlight the cultural heritage of Jharkhand’s rural and tribal communities. Participants are competing in events such as sling shooting, traditional archery, sikhour (a tribal game), sack race, football, and hockey. These activities aim to preserve and promote indigenous sports, fostering a sense of pride among the participants.
Acknowledging the Organizers
The success of this state-level competition is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the departmental trainers who played a vital role in its organization. Among them are Bharat Kumar Shah, Gopal Tirki, Sunil Mahli, Anmol Toppo, Kali Charan Mahto, Angad Hansraj, Raju Sahu, Harish Kumar, Prem Purti, Akhtar Hussain, Balram, Mohan Kumar, Jolen Kerketta, Sandeep Uraw, Raymond Minz, and Sudip Kujur. Their contributions ensured the smooth execution of the event.
Promoting Cultural and Sporting Heritage
This event not only serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills but also reinforces the importance of preserving Jharkhand’s rich cultural and sporting traditions. The state-level competition underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing indigenous sports and providing opportunities for rural and tribal youth to excel in their chosen fields.
News – Sanjana Kumari
