The two-week-long sports training camp organised by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the Bridges of Sports Foundation for 16 students in the 10-17 age group, including 12 students belonging to the Siddi tribe, in athletics, concluded here on Monday.
The students belonged to Loyola School located at Mundgod in Uttara Kannada district. Vinod Nayak, Secretary, Sports Council, MAHE, said that the Bridges of Sports Foundation had conducted trials and selected the 16 students.
“It is an initiative taken by the foundation. MAHE provided all facilities to train these students in athletics with the help of the Centre for Sports Science, Medicine and Research. The 16 students have been trained in track and field events,” he said.
Rizwan Bendigere, coach, said that of the 16 students, three had shown their talent — Ravikiran Siddi, who is 17, in 200 m and 400 m; Shalini Siddi (14) in 100 m and 200 m, and Siju (15), in 1,500 m.
Fiddy Davis J., Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences, MAHE, said that while giving training, his department had concentrated on developing the core competencies of the participants.
Speaking at the valedictory function, H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said that children of different tribes living in rural areas had a lot of talent. With proper coaching, it was possible to make them contribute in the field of sports. “They require coaching in the right way. We hope that these 16 students will make a mark at both national and international events. We will provide them with all the facilities they require for their training, he said.
Poornima Baliga, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, was among those present.
