Three-day project-level sports meet for tribal ashram school students begins at Borda in Chandrapur

Chandrapur: A project-level sports competition for students of ashram schools run under the Integrated Tribal Development Project, Chandrapur, began today (the 2nd) at the Government Secondary and Higher Secondary Ashram School, Borda. The festive opening was meant to promote the students' sporting skills and to further their physical, mental, social and all-round personality development.

The competition was inaugurated by Additional Chief Executive Officer Kalpana Kshirsagar. It was presided over by Vikas Rachelwar, Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Project. Dean Dr Milind Kamble, dental and oral diseases specialist Dr Sandeep Pipre and Umesh Kadu were among the chief guests present.

The programme opened with the beat of dhol-tasha drums in traditional Maharashtrian style. A lamp was then lit, portraits of great figures were garlanded, and the sports flame was lit to mark the formal start of the competitions. Student players from different beats took part in a disciplined march past.

Under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, the teeth of around 8,000 students in 62 ashram schools and hostels had been examined. Dr Sandeep Pipre, the dental and oral diseases specialist, was honoured for this.

Students of the Government Ashram School, Borda, presented a tribal traditional dance that won over the guests and the audience. The performance offered a fine glimpse of the tribal community's rich folk art, cultural tradition and village life.

In his introductory address, Project Officer Vikas Rachelwar explained the importance of sports competitions. He said that along with progress in studies, physical health, mental health, discipline and self-confidence are equally essential. He urged students to exercise regularly, eat properly and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

In his guidance, Dr Milind Kamble said sports competitions and inter-project activities allow an exchange of culture, experience and knowledge, and spoke of how they bring out students' personalities. In her presidential address, Kalpana Kshirsagar said such events and competitions should be held regularly for the all-round development of students. She told students to take part not merely to win, but to learn new things, recognise their abilities and maintain sportsmanship.

After the inaugural ceremony, the opening match was played in the presence of the dignitaries. It was an under-17 girls' kabaddi contest between the Borda centre and the Devada centre. A total of 1,058 student players are taking part in the three-day sports festival. About 200 officers, employees and support staff are deployed to manage it.

The event was organised under the guidance of Assistant Project Officer (Education) Rajiv Bongirwar. Project sports coordinator Suresh Shrirame handled the planning and coordination of the competitions. Anuradha Lad conducted the programme and Ramdas Khawshi proposed the vote of thanks.