Berhampur: In order to revive rural sports, which have almost become extinct, and encourage participation of the girls, a competition was organised in Berhampur of Odisha’s Ganjam district.
Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation (MPF), a socio-cultural organisation of Berhampur in Ganjam district, organised the event at Khallikote University Stadium.
Seven rural sports competition including Khapara Dian, Kaudi Khela, Daudi Dian (Skipping), Sankha Nada (Blowing of conch shells), ‘Thia Puchi’, ‘Basa Puchi’ and Hulahuli were held in the competition. More than 300 girl students from different schools and colleges of the city and its adjoining areas participated in different events.
From throwing stones with toes and then hopping and picking them with toes again to skipping to the tune of folk songs, the girls enjoyed themselves thoroughly during the competition.
The top performers in the seven events would perform dance at a cultural programme for the first time titled “Thia puchi naranga, goda deita saranga”, a cultural extravaganza to be held on the occasion of Kumara Purnima at ITI, Berhampur on October 28.
Prof Prafulla Mahanty, vice-chancellor of Khallikote University and Sanghamitra Dalei, Berhampur Mayor inaugurated the rural sports competition. Internationally acclaimed sportsman S Rajesh Babu Achary was felicitated on the occasion. Hrushikesh Panigrahi, chief convenor of MPF, which has been organising such initiatives since 2010, was also present.
