Port Blair, Aug. 21: Sports Authority of India (SAI), Port Blair has started the Government’s ambitious ‘Khelo India Rising Talent Identification’ (KIRTI) program in A&N Islands. The official inaugural ceremony of the mega event of KIRTI was held at Navy Children School, Port Blair yesterday. The Commissioner-cum Secretary, A&N Administration, Smt. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional oil lamp as chief guest.
The Superintendant of Police (ACU), A&NI, Ms. Shweta K Sugathan, IPS was the guest of honour. The inaugural function was also graced by the Principal, Navy Children School, Smt. Anita Devi; Asst Director, SAI, Smt. Debasmita Bal and Arjuna awardee Coach Jenil Krishnan. The chief guest expressed optimism that with such decentralized and pocket-based talent identification approach of Project KIRTI, many talented children from A&NI shall be identified and India’s medal tally at Olympics will be increased.
The SAI has commenced conducting physical tests and sports specific tests from 2nd week of this month in various schools of N&M Andaman & South Andaman District viz. GSS Shoal Bay, GSSS Garacharma, GSSS Kishori Nagar, GSSS Swadesh Nagar, GSSS Girls and many more. The response for the KIRTI programme has been overwhelming. Physical tests of over 2700 children in the age group of 10-18 yrs have been conducted. Similar, event will be organized in Nicobar Isles from last week of this month.
