HUBBALLI: The Dharwad zilla panchayat has launched a programme of developing government school grounds to promote desi games in rural areas. The zilla panchayat has identified 506 government school grounds to develop after discussing with the departments concerned. It has initiated work in more than 134 places and completed work in 28 places.
The works have been taken under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme, which is aimed at development of rural areas and alleviation of poverty by ensuring job opportunities.
ZP CEO Suresh Itnal said that aiming to promote sports in rural schools, they decided to develop government school grounds. We have decided to complete all the proposed works by March 2023, he said.
“Panchayat development officers (PDOs) approached school headmasters and other authorities and submitted a list of school grounds in their respective jurisdiction. Looking at the availability of adequate space, we have created playing areas for kabaddi, kho-kho and volleyball. At some places, we have designed grounds for basketball and athletics also,” he added.
“There are facilities for sports other than kabaddi, kho-kho and other desi games. Hence, we decided to make provisions for desi games. In rural areas people know how to play desi games and the only thing required is suitable playgrounds,” he said.
BC Ramesh, former captain, Indian kabaddi team and coach for a Pro-Kabaddi team, said, “Many students at government schools play kabaddi, kho-kho and other desi games. If they are trained properly, quality players can emerge.”
“Nowadays Kabaddi also became a glamourour game like cricket and more players are emerging. Kabaddi, kho-kho and volleyball will also help students maintain health and to remain physically fit,” he added.
