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India News | Soren Launches New Scheme to Nurture Sporting Talents in Naxal-hit Districts

Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said attempts have been made to paint a poor picture of the state by some people, who just wanted to highlight the naxal activities in the state, unaware of the rich culture and traditions of its tribal population.

India News | Soren Launches New Scheme to Nurture Sporting Talents in Naxal-hit Districts

Chaibasa, Dec 15 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said attempts have been made to paint a poor picture of the state by some people, who just wanted to highlight the naxal activities in the state, unaware of the rich culture and traditions of its tribal population.

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Soren, during the day, inaugurated ‘Sports Action Towards Harnessing Aspiration of Youths' (SAHAY) scheme, aimed at nurturing the sporting talents in the state's Maoist-hit districts.

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"Jharkhand has been portrayed in a poor light by some, who are not aware of the state's rich tribal culture. That said, we have to create an ambience where no one can lure or misguide our youths," he said.

In the first phase of the scheme's implementation, Soren said 72,000 youngsters of 14 to 19 years' age group from the districts of West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharswan, Khunti, Gumla and Simdega will get the opportunity to exhibit their skills in hockey, football, volleyball, athletics and other games.

The winners and runners-up will be encouraged with cash awards, the CM explained.

The scheme seeks to motivate and promote the budding sportspersons of regions that have borne the brunt of naxal menace, Soren said.

He further stated that a 'Sports Nursery' will be set up in the affected areas for "nurturing talented individuals, honing their skills".

Sporting activities could give mineral-rich Jharkhand a "separate identity", the CM said.

"Instead of sounds of bullets, laughters of sportspersons and tourists will echo in the state," he added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)