Rugby makes debut at Kinnaur district sports meet
Ropa(Gyabang)
Rugby has been introduced for the first time in Kinnaur at the ongoing district-level sports tournament at Government Senior Secondary School, Gyabang in Ropa Valley, giving schoolchildren from the tribal district an opportunity to learn and compete in the emerging sport.
Around 400 athletes from 43 schools are participating in the four-day district-level tournament, which is also being used to identify players for district teams. The introduction of Rugby is part of the State Government’s new sports calendar, under which the Physical Education Unit has adopted the discipline along with other sports such as Judo and Wushu.
The Himachal Pradesh Rugby Association conducted trials and training for around 24 students from different schools during the event. Association General Secretary Vishal Sarin supervised the trials and selection process, while state-level coach Kavita trained the students in the basic skills and rules of Rugby.
Sarin said similar Rugby trials would be organised in Bhavnagar and Lahaul in the future to identify and nurture young talent from remote areas. The selected players will have an opportunity to progress to district and higher-level competitions.
The tournament is witnessing competitions in kho-kho, table tennis, badminton, athletics, handball, volleyball, basketball and football. In kho-kho, Chawang secured first position while Chhota Kamba finished second. Ribba won the table tennis event and Reckong-peo was runner-up. Roopi and Nathpa secured the first and second positions respectively in badminton, while Kothi and Thangrang finished first and second in athletics.
In handball, Kothi defeated Nichar in the semi-final to enter the final against Katgaon. Finals in volleyball, basketball and football will also be held.
The Sports venue is emerging as high altitude sports centre in the landlock district having football stadium, separate Basket or handball and volleyball court. Union Minister Kiren Rijuju recently visited this stadium and announced to spent fund from central tribal department to further develop it as central sports infrastructure.
The tournament is providing young sportspersons with competitive exposure while expanding the sporting landscape in Kinnaur through the introduction of newer disciplines such as Rugby.
Introduction of new games would expectedily improve Indian Telly in future sports event on Olympics, Asian Games and world cup events. Himachal Pradesh Government is trying to introduce the new games in sports and physical education activities also give more wondow for sports aspirants to get carrier in their favourite games beside ensuring them employment avenue after post sports carrier to render their livelihood respectfully.
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