Jalandhar, October 1 : In the series of "catch them young’ scheme and promotion of sports at grass root level, the Punjab Sports Department has started its efforts to achieve the purpose. Organisation of the Punjab State Rural Games for Boys Under-16 years in 10 disciplines athletics, archery, football, hockey, kho kho, kabaddi, volleyball, weightlifting, tug of war and wrestling from September 27 to 30 in Mansa was another step in this direction.
Ludhiana won the overall championship, Tarn Taran got the 2 secon place, whereas Jalandhar were third Padma Shree Pargat Singh Director Sports Punjab disclosed that the selected/talented players under the "Catch them young scheme" the players would be placed in different wings/camps for vigorous training to participate in the coming National Rural Sports Meet. He also informed that like Mansa, tournament woul be also conducted at different venues for the promotion of rural sports in this year.
The department has made an effort to involve about 1.50 lakh players from the rural background under the scheme of Central Govt. namely "Panchayati Yuva Krira Aur Khel Abhiyan" for the year 2008-09 for which the Punjab Sports Department has taken lead by implementing this scheme even no funds has been released by Government. of India. The department would be spending over Rs. 250 lakh under this rural competition program.
Punjab State Rural Games for Boys Under 16 years in Mansa, were inaugurated by Parminder Singh Dhindsa , Minister for PWD (B&R), Punjab on September 27 at Nehru Memorial Govt. College, Mansa. Balwinder Singh Bhunder General Secretary Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) was the chief guest at the closing ceremony on September 30 and gave away the prizes to the winners. He announced that the Punjab Government will give all the facilities required by the Sports Department for the promotion of sports in rural areas.