Soccer to bring Junglemahal youths to mainstream

6 September 2011

biswabrata goswami
MIDNAPORE, 6 SEPT: The state police has started a football tournament in Junglemahal for the first time after the state sports ministry decided to encourage youths to return to the mainstream in three Maoist-hit districts.
The much-awaited tournament ~ Junglemahal Cup 2011 ~ started on 3 September at Lalgarh in West Midnapore, when a team of interlocutors engaged by the state government was busy initiating talks with Maoists.
A total of 719 teams will participate in the tournament where more than 700 matches will be held at about 30 venues across Junglemahal. About 10,066 youths have enrolled their names in different teams and 16 top players will be selected for a tour to Germany, where they will be given special training in association with the famous players and coaches of Germany, said Mr Praveen Kumar Tripathi, superintendent of police, West Midnapore.
The district sports officials said the youth, especially the tribals of the three districts, can contribute significantly to Bengal football and if the government organises such tournaments every year, talented players from here will surely make it to the Indian squad in future.
“This game is like a religion in this country. We know that football is popular among tribal youths here. Given proper facilities, the game can be a success here," said a senior footballer.
“If proper facilities are provided, the youth can start thinking about sports as a career option. Football can be used as a tool for peace and development. If young people take to football, they won't wield a gun,” said Mr Tripathi.
Besides the football tournament, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has chalked out a way to popularise cricket and look for talents in the districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura.
The CAB will first start a 15-day coaching camp for boys under 16. It will also provide cricket equipment to those who join the camp. “Given proper training, the tribals, with their natural athletic abilities, can be successful in the field of sports,” said a CAB member. Mr Tripathi, who termed it as a “fantastic initiative”, said that the CAB's effort will help the government's move to bring back the youths of Junglemahal to the mainstream. “We will provide CAB with all the support. This will definitely help improve the situation,” said Mr Tripathi.