[ Karda Natam ]
PASIGHAT, Dec 11: East Siang and Lohit clinched the men’s and women’s titles respectively in the inaugural state level kho kho championship.
East Siang beat East Kemeng by single point in the final played here in East Siang district on Wednesday.
VKV School Tafragam representing Lohit beat Lower Subansiri by 13 points in the final to clinch the title.
The winning teams will represent the state at the National School Games under the aegis of School Games Federation.
Attending the closing ceremony, Education Secretary Niharika Rai said that the enthusiasm shown by young players will go a long in promoting kho kho and other indigenous games and sports. She commended the efforts of the Kho-Kho Association of Arunachal Pradesh (KKAP) and its East Siang district unit for promotion of the traditional sport in the state.
The Rai encouraged the players to take up kho-Kho, informing that the sport is recognized by the state government and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Later, she gave away the prizes to winners and runners up.
East Siang DC Dr Kinny Singh also lauded the sportsman spirit displayed throughout the tournament by the participants from 21 districts. She assured district administration’s support in conducting such event in the future.
KKIP general secretary Puto Bui emphasized on the need for promotion of kho kho and other indigenous sports. He appealed to the state government to take initiative for revival and popularize indigenous sports. (With DIPRO input)
