Maha: 'Mission Shakti' to train athletes for intl competitions

The Maharashtra government will train athletes for national and international competitions, including the Olympics, through its 'Mission Shakti' programme, state Forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said today.

He added that the construction of sports complexes in Chimur, Pombhurna, Ballarpur and Mool areas of the state has been ordered on high priority.

Mungantiwar said the sports complex at Ballarpur will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25 this year.

"After the success of 'Mission Shaurya', where tribal students from Chandrapur scaled Mount Everest, 'Mission Shakti' programme is being implemented by the state government," he said.

"In order to enable athletes to participate in national and international competitions, including the 2024 Olympics, services of qualified sports coaches, having experience of international competitions, will be made available," he said.

He informed that international sports champions and experts will be invited, from time to time, to help train students.

"Also, services of sports coaches, who have completed training course offered by the National Institute of Sports will be sought," Mungantiwar said.