CHIMPU, Apr 13: A series of talent hunts to find the best talents in 800- and 1500-metre race for both boys and girls (U-17) was organized across the state by the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) in collaboration with the Nurturing Excellence in Sports Trust (NEST).
NEST operation manager Ankit Dhimen informed that the events, collectively themed ‘Himalaya mein heeron ki khoj’, was organized in West Siang, Lohit, East Siang, Namsai, Kurung Kumey, Tirap, Papum Pare, and Longding districts.
Of the more than 500 youths who attended the events, 38 were short-listed and were given two days’ training under the guidance of NEST official I Chatterjee.
Four athletes – Ritu Khanblai from Papum Pare; Joti Mane and Batum Remdo from West Siang; and Khemlang Wangen from Longding – have been selected. They will undergo a month’s training at either Itanagar or Guwahati.
In a later stage, the selected athletes will have the opportunity to play for the ONGC.
Earlier, Sports Director Tadar Appa, who inaugurated the event here on Friday, said that the youths of the state should prepare themselves for the Olympic Games and other national and international events.
Appa said Arunachal has no dearth of sports talents, and what they need is proper support and training. He said the sports department would always support any move for the promotion of games and sports in the state.
