State level School Games Federation of India (SGFI), Hockey tournament began on Thursday with 800 hockey players were participating from 17 districts of the State. The five day long tournament started at AstroTurf Stadium in the State Capital will continue till August 26.

Inaugurating the tournament as chief guest Sports Minister of the State, Amar Kumar Bauri said that a lot of development works are going on in field of sports along with other fields during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime in Jharkhand and other states of the country. “Players are building their future now not only in cricket but also in sports like hockey, archery, football,” he added.

Jharkhand has always been a part of the national team in hockey and till now no national team has been made without a player from the State, said Bauri.

Addressing boys and girls participating under three categories which are under 14 years, 17 and 19 the Minister said that more than 800 players from 41 teams from 17 districts have attended this competition. “The teams representing the district they are winner of their district. But this campaign of victory should not stop here. The State team should also win at the national level competition. My best whishes are always with the players of the State,” he added.

Bauri further appealed to the players that the legacy created by the former players at the national level it should be forwarded by young players.  To achieve the milestone the players will have to work hard with definite goal. He appealed players to play with sportsman spirit.  

Addressing the players on the occasion, Sports Director AK Singh said that the winning team will get a chance to participate at the national level. He said that this type of competition is being organised since last June and after this, the Chief Minister Invitational Football Competition will be organised.

In the inaugural match under 17 girls group Ranchi beat Lohardaga by 6-0.