State capital Lucknow is set to host a spectacular showcase of sporting talent as the 68th National School Athletics Under-17 Championship 2024 takes place from November 26 to 30. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh government, this event promises to be a major platform for discovering and nurturing young athletes from across the country. The Guru Gobind Singh Sports Complex will host this Mahakumbh of sports, bringing together skilled athletes from across India. In a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, the championships trophy and official mascot, Singha, were unveiled, marking the beginning of this highly anticipated event. Additional Chief Secretary (Secondary Education, Finance, and Home) Deepak Kumar said that the event would stand out for its exceptional planning and international standards. The state has launched initiatives like the Sports for School programme to boost the sports culture and is leveraging CSR funds and foreign expertise to provide coaching to budding athletes. The championship will feature world-class equipment, and participating players from all states and union territories will enjoy top-tier facilities, including accommodation, meals, and transportation. As honoured guests, they will also receive gifts and tours of Uttar Pradeshs iconic attractions, making this event an unforgettable experience for athletes from the state and beyond, Kumar said. The games will be conducted with complete transparency, ensuring winners are honoured purely on merit, he added. Kumar highlighted that Singha, inspired by the states symbol Barasingha, represents the spirit of these games. Winners will be felicitated by legendary athletes, and the events will be live-streamed on YouTube for a wider audience. The Sports for School programme has already engaged over 2.38 lakh students across Uttar Pradesh, including 18,500 from basic education, 12,000 from secondary education, and 2.08 lakh students from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas in 733 schools. As part of this initiative, children are being encouraged to participate in sports with access to uniforms, equipment, proper coaching, and well-maintained grounds. Focus is also placed on training sports-oriented youth and teachers to enhance coaching standards. CSR initiatives are playing a pivotal role in nurturing talent, with support from international institutions, including agencies from Denmark and Sweden, to provide advanced football training. Promising young athletes are also receiving sponsorship and resources to help them excel.

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