Tap rural talent: Dharmana

Srikakulam: District-level sports and games competitions are good to unlock rural talent, said Minister for Roads and Buildings Dharmana Krishna Das.

Inaugurating K Chinna Rao Memorial District Athletic Competitions-cum-Selections organised under the aegis of District Athletics' Association (DAA) here on Sunday, he lauded the efforts of organisers for conducting the competitions at district level to hunt rural talent and encourage them at state, national and international forums.

He suggested the youth who have keen interest in sports and games to participate in these competitions to improve their skills. He reiterated the government was giving to priority to encourage players from rural areas by allotting funds and reserving some posts in public service under sports and games quota.

DAA president K Venkateswara Rao, general secretary N Vijaykumar, District Sports Development Officer (DSDO) B Srinivasa Kumar, players from all parts of the district participated.

On the occasion, different sports events conducted to select candidates.The Minister recalled that the State government allotted 5 acres extent of land in Visakhapatnam for Badminton Academy with an aim to provide facilities for players in the north-east coastal region. In the evening, the minister presented merit certificates to athletes who were selected in different events.