In a bid to promote sports among tribal youth in Bijapur district, considered as naxal hotbed, the local administration has decided to organise a cricket tournament from next month.
"Chief Minister Raman Singh will inaugurate the newly built stadium at Bijapur town on May 29. Later 'Bijapur Monsoon Cricket', an open tournament will be held from June 1," Collector Md Qaiser Abdul Haque told PTI today.
In Bijpaur's Edasmeta village, recently eight tribals, including three minors, were killed in an alleged fake encounter between security forces and ultras on the intervening night of May 17-18.
"The tournament will help the tribal youths from remote areas to showcase their sporting talent, besides encouraging them to come together for a better cause," said Haque, also the president of the tournament's organising committee.
The winning team will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs 21,000 while the runner up will get Rs 15,000.
The last date for registration to participate in the tournament is May 29, the Collector said.
"After this tournament we are planning to organise a division level cricket tournament. Apart from cricket, we are also thinking to organise other sports including football here at newly built stadium in Bijapur," he added.
