17 state boys on their way to world class sports training at Pune

IMPHAL, Feb 7: Seventeen boys from the state have been selected by the Army Sports Institute, Pune to undergo training with the institute, which has been establshed by the armed forces in pursuit of India`s quest for medals at the Olympics.The Manipuri boys went through a rigid and highly specialised array of tests at the Maha Union Public School ground before they were selected out of a total of 300 young children from the state who participated in the selections. The 17 boys aged between 10 to 12 years were among 26 boys who were shortlisted for the final tests and are now on their way to Pune along with their fathers.The Army Sports Institute had sent a talent scouting team to the state on the invitation of the 20 Assam Rifles and conducted the tests at Chandel from November 10 to 14 last year. The institute has its own officers, international coaches, doctors and consultants.The boys include those from the Naga, Kuki, Meitei and Muslim communities and during their stay at Pune the institute will be providing them free world class training infrastructure, boarding and lodging, public school education till Class X and an honourable career in the Army once they attain the age of 17.5 years.The boys were sent off on their way to Pune at a function at Pallel where the commander of the 26 Sector greeted each one of them and their parents.Mohd Khas Mohammad, the father of one of the selected boys Mohd Warish stated that his entire village in Thoubal district was extremely happy at the boy getting the dream opportunity with the aid of the Assam Rifles.Mohd Warish, who is just 11 years old, said that he never imagined he would get a chance like this in his life. He has already promised to be a army soldire and win a medal for the country.