Chandigarh, March 4
For the first time in the history of Chandigarh, over 70 female players from 35 different affiliated associations will be adopted by Ranjan Sethi, Director, The British School, Sector 44, &, President, Chandigarh Rugby Association.
The adopted players will be taken care under ‘Supporting the Talent’ scheme, wherein expenses occurring to their education (from School level to University level) will be taken care by Sethi.
A keen sports promoter, Sethi has already worked towards development of sports through various projects including, British School of Boxing and British School of Football.
While discussing this ‘Supporting the Talent’ scheme, Sethi explained that he will bear all education expenses of these selected 70 female players, starting from their School to University, till the time they stand on their own.
During this period, the players will be also provided technical training to improve in their respective sport. “I have decided to start this venture in order to provide a platform to those needy female players, who are excellent in sport but couldn’t pursue due one reason or another. All expenses related to education will be bear under this scheme and two girls from each 35 associations, affiliated to Chandigarh, will be selected. A proper record will be maintained by a team of experts and annual performance/scope of improvement/creating opportunities will be also assessed,” said Sethi.
When asked about criteria for selecting players under this scheme, Sethi said: “Our top priority will be female players from the Economical Weaker Section category or those having a poor financial background. We will also try to tie-up with higher education institutes abroad, so that these students can excel their career. Education is very important as only excelling in sports is not enough in today’s world of tough competition. I want to make sure that these players go back with high heads and degrees in their hands, so as to live a quality life.” While talking about his future plans, Sethi said that he and his team wanted to see Chandigarh on the top of Indian sports. “Chandigarh has all the facilities including vast infrastructure but the only lacking is a good administrative body. The recent conflicts in sports administration clearly depicts that there’s a huge need for a proper sports administration set-up to carry forward the legacy,” said Sethi. He also assured that tournaments will.be conducted in a phased manner to provide platform to sportspersons. “In coming months, we will be organizing tournaments for all Olympics Sport in a phased manner. The tournament will be made an annual feature and will be organised under the banner of British School Games.l,” said Sethi. He further added that he has nothing to do with Chandigarh Olympic Association and he is there as a sports promoter instead of a sports administrator.
