EVEN WITHOUT any formal training they performed just like any other professional athlete. Over 2000 athletes from various rural parts of the State are demonstrating their talent in the special rural sports meet being organised by Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare at Tatya Tope Stadium. The meet will conclude on Monday.
Most of the participants, when asked, did not know about the world records or Olympic records but their vigour made them attractive in the meet. “Mujhe world record ya Olympic record kya hota Hai nahin maloom. Main bahut tez dorta hoon isliye mujhe mere Sir ne chuna (I do not what is world record or Olympic record. My coach has selected me as I run fast)”, said Deepak Jaisawal, a participant of the 100-m race. He expected that he would win the race.
There are a number of athletes in the meet who have never seen stadium like Tatya Tope Stadium in their life. “Running on this track is great experience of our life that we will never forget. I wish to visit this City again”, said Naresh of Umaria. He participated in the long jump. Such was his enthusiasm for the participation that even after completing his jump he was eager to participate in other events immediately.
Various events including 100-m sprint, 400-m race, 4X100-m relay, long jump, kabaddi and wrestling are being organised in the meet. The performance demonstrated by the teams of kabaddi proved that the game is still dominated by rural youths.
When asked bout their future, most of the participants said that they can perform at any level if they get opportunity.
Various events including 100-m sprint, 400-m race, 4X100-m relay, long jump, kabaddi and wrestling are being organised in the meet. The performance demonstrated by the teams of kabaddi proved that the game is still dominated by rural youths.
When asked bout their future, most of the participants said that they can perform at any level if they get opportunity.
Girija of Morena district said that her wish was to win medals for the country. “Our place is small and thus opportunities are few. But there is no dearth of talent. Such events should be organised regularly to promote rural youths”, said Girija. She participated in the long jump.
…but few are watching it
IT WAS ironical that when over 2000 athletes are in the City to participate in various games, there is not a single spectator in the stadium. These rural youths have come at a time when exam is very near but their enthusiasm is no less from any other professional athlete.
“City people should come to see that we are no less than the urban athletes. But the Sports Department has done well by giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our talent”, said Ashish Uike of Betul.