Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 August 2024
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Port Blair has officially launched the Government’s ambitious ‘Khelo India Rising Talent Identification’ (KIRTI) program in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, aiming to scout and nurture young sporting talent across the region. The inaugural ceremony took place at the Navy Children School, Port Blair, where the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the A&N Administration, Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, served as the chief guest.
Ms. Paliwal inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional oil lamp, symbolizing the start of this significant initiative. The Superintendent of Police (ACU), A&N Islands, Ms. Shweta K Sugathan, IPS, attended as the guest of honour. Other prominent attendees included the Principal of Navy Children School, Ms. Anita Devi; Assistant Director of SAI, Ms. Debasmita Bal; and Arjuna awardee Coach Jenil Krishnan.
In her address, Ms. Paliwal expressed optimism about the KIRTI program’s decentralised, community-based approach, which she believes will play a crucial role in identifying and developing talented young athletes from the A&N Islands. She also mentioned that with initiatives like KIRTI, we will be able see more athletes from A & N region on the Olympic podium, contributing to India’s medal tally.
SAI has already commenced the first phase of the program, conducting a series of physical and sports-specific tests in various schools across North & Middle Andaman and South Andaman Districts. Schools involved in the program include GSS Shoal Bay, GSSS Garacharma, GSSS Kishori Nagar, GSSS Swadesh Nagar, GSSS Girls, among others. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 2,700 children between the ages of 10 to 18 years having undergone the tests so far.
The program is set to expand its reach to the Nicobar Islands later this month, with similar events planned to identify and nurture sporting talent in this region as well.