U'khand forest dept to hold its first sports competition

DEHRADUN: The forest authorities of Uttarakhand have decided to focus on the fitness of their staff by making them participate in sports.

Inspired by Rajasthan's para-medalists and foresters like shooter Avani Lekhara, javelin throwers Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Gurjar, Uttarakhand's forest authorities have decided to start their first-ever sports competition.

The department, which consists of around 12,000 regular and contract staff, hasn't seen a single representation in either national or international sports by any of its employees so far in the 23 years of Uttarakhand's formation, as per the authorities.

"The aim is to increase the participation of our staff in sports on a global platform along with focusing on fitness of the staff. This is the forest department's first-ever sports competition. Rajasthan's foresters like Avani Lekhara and others are an inspiration for all of us," said DS Meena, conservator of forests, Bhagirathi Circle.

The three-day competition, starting this Saturday at Gandhi Stadium in Baurari Tehri, will have over 400 foresters participating, including the Indian Forest Service officers as per the authorities.

The competition will have various categories of sports ranging from athletics to cricket and gymnastics. In the first phase, Garhwal zone's four circles - Bhagirathi, Yamuna, Shivalik and Garhwal - will see participation along with teams of wildlife zone and forest corporation, as per Meena.

The competition will conclude with a pledge by the participants to conserve the environment. The event will have a cultural evening too, for promotion of the local traditions and cuisine among the visitors.