HYDERABAD: Giving a sporting thrust to farmers, the Confederation of Indian Farmers' Association and the Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages will launch the second edition of a unique sporting event — CIFA Thums Up Rural Games.

The event is expected to give the farmers across three States of Andhra Pradesh (20 centres), Karnataka and Maharashtra, a rare opportunity to showcase their sporting skills.

With a budgetary allocation of Rs. 25 lakhs, the meet is aimed at providing recreation for farmers and also serving as a ground to scout talent.

"We realise the importance of channelling the energies of farmers and will provide a sporting ambience between April 28 and June 2, deemed to be ideal for farmers across the States as they will be less busy in farm operations," says Deepak Kaul, vice-president, Hindustan Beverages (South).

Inauguration

The inauguration will be held at Fateh Maidan Indoor Stadium and the valedictory at Karamchedu.

The concept also targets some social objectives like strengthening the cohesiveness amongst farmers besides giving them a platform to display their produce at special stalls.

Chenga Reddy, secretary-general of CIFA, stresses that this is only a beginning.

"We will soon launch a national-level sports meet which will cover 600 million farmers. If some more corporate groups join us in our endeavour, it is not impossible," he says.

Mr. Reddy says the disciplines are not necessarily recognised sporting events but some novel events close to farmers' hearts like the competitors taking part in the 50 kg fertilizer bag relay races.

"Social obligations like literacy, water conservation and HIV awareness programmes will also dominate these meets as many Government departments are involved in this," he says.

Sponsors

IFCO and Mahindra & Mahindra are chipping in with sponsorships, so the organisers hope to make the meet more attractive and provide cash prizes to the winners.

Trophies for men (kabaddi) and women (kho kho) will be at stake at the rural games.

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