IN A significant step towards nurturing talent, the Divisional Sports Excellence Centre for athletics and table tennis was inaugurated at the Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur on Tuesday under the Maharashtra State government’s ambitious ‘Mission Lakshyavedh’ project. The inauguration ceremony was held in presence of Sambhaji Mane, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department. Pallavi Dhatrak, Deputy Director, Sports and Youth Services, presided over. A large number of dignitaries, officers, coaches, players and parents attended the event. ‘Mission Lakshyavedh’ aims to provide talented and promising athletes across Maharashtra with high-quality training, modern facilities, scientific guidance and a competitive environment. The project seeks to help players excel at national and international levels. The Divisional Sports Excellence Centre in city will offer specialised training in athletics and table tennis. Players will also receive fitness guidance, sports science support, technical analysis and access to quality sports infrastructure.

 

This initiative is expected to give a major boost to athletes from the division to develop their skills effectively. Addressing the gathering, Mane urged players to make the most of the government-provided facilities and bring laurels to the State through dedication and a positive mindset at national and international platforms. Dhatrak highlighted various ongoing initiatives for sports development in Nagpur Division. She expressed confidence that ‘Mission Lakshyavedh’ would serve as a strong platform for grooming future national and international athletes from the region. Prominent attendees included Prashant Shankarpure, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department; Adv Ashutosh Potnis, Maharashtra Table Tennis Association Secretary; Ajay Kamble, table tennis coach Sudarshan Mesre and athletics coach Ishita Roy.