Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 04 2009:
With the stated objective of tapping and honing the talents of young, budding sports-persons, GOC of 57 Mountain Division, Maj Gen Shakti Gurung kick started the recruitment rally for sports-persons today.
Addressing the aspirants as well as gathering, Maj Gen Gurung, himself a sportsman said "I declare the recruitment rally open and dedicate it to the sportsmen and people of Manipur.' Guided by the vision of tapping the talent of young sportsmen in Manipur, the GOC contacted people concerned and finally the Army Sports Institute, ASI, Pune, Madras Engineering Group, MEG Centre Bangalore, Artillery Centre, Nasik and Boys Sports Company, 58 Gorkha Training Centre, Shillong arrived at Manipur to scout for talent, said a statement issued by PIB (Defence Wing).
These organisations are scouting for sporting talent who could be future medal winners in such meet as the Olympics and other international sports meet.
The rally which started today will go on till March 6 and sportspersons will be selected in 11 different disciplines including archery, athletics, boxing, canoeing, diving, kayaking, fencing, football, hockey, weight lifting and wrestling, said PIB further.
Encouraging everyone, the GOC said, �those who don't make need not be disappointed as we will be conducting more such rallies in the future'.
Colonel Varinder Singh from ASI Pune stated that there is no fixed quota and they will select as many sportspersons as possible, provided they have talent.
About 2000 young aspirants turned up for the recruitment rally and since there were young kids in the age group of 9 to 16 years, their parents accompanied them.
While the selection process was on, the rest witnessed the equipment display which the Red Shield Divisions had displayed to the public.
Earlier in the day, the GOC felicitated 11 renowned sportspersons from Manipur, including Mary Kom and the first Olympian from the State Nilakamal.