Jharkhand: Gumla district administration to build playgrounds, gyms for tribals

GUMLA: Gumla district administration will construct playgrounds with goalposts and open gyms in every block of the district to promote sporting culture and ensure physical fitness among budding players.
The tribals in this part of the district have won several national and international hockey and football matches. Hockey Olympians such as Manohar Topno and Ajit Lakra are a few. Soccer players like Sumati Kumari, Ashtam Oraon, Sudha Ankita Tirkey have made their mark in national circuit while Priti Kacchap, Asha Kiran Barla, and Florence Barla have earned fame at the international arena in athletics.
Tapping into the passion for games among village youths, Gumla DDC Hemant Sati said he held a meeting with all block development officers (BDOs) earlier this week and directed them to prepare playgrounds with permanent goalposts and open gyms on a priority basis to impart round-the-year training in football and hockey.
“The love for sports is deep rooted in this region. Though the rural folks live in poverty, they have keen interest in games. Hence, we decided to arrange playgrounds and open gyms for the budding sporting talents at block levels. Gyms will also help general public to stay fit,” he added. Fund will be made available from different heads through convergence mode, Sati said.
Hockey Olympian Topno hailed the plan. “It’s indeed a good initiative on part of the administration. It will boost sports in the district,” he said. Footballer Bina Kerketta said, “Officials must work on it on priority. Players will benefit from such facilities.”