Chhattisgarh‘s tribal-dominated Bastar district will soon have an archery and a shooting academy to explore sports talent in the Naxal-affected range.
The academies will be established with the support of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programe.
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The decision in this regard was taken during Chief Minister Raman Singh‘s meeting with Union Steel Ministry Secretary Aruna Sharma, SAIL Chairman P K Singh and other senior executives on September 14.
“The state government is gradually trying to restore peace in Bastar and the initiative of setting up sports academies sends a clear message that it is committed to explore sports talents of backward areas,” the official said.
Youths from the tribal community are generally skilled in archery as they pick up bow and arrow, the traditional weapons, in their childhood.
An archery academy will sharpen their skills and enable them to compete in national and international events, the official added.
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“It has been observed in remote areas of Bastar that weapons attract tribal youths more towards Naxalism. Hence, setting up a shooting academy in the area will be a good option for youth to fulfill their desires, thereby excelling in the game,” he again added
The principal objective of these academies will be to explore and nurture talents from remote parts of the state, he said.
The chief minister has also ordered NMDC officials to develop a world-class athletic track in Bastar area.
It was also concluded in the meeting that SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant will establish tennis and a basketball academy at Bhilai in Durg district.
Besides, an international standard swimming pool would also be constructed in Bhilai under the CSR programme of the Bhilai Steel Plant, he added.