ITANAGAR, 17 Oct: Governor KT Parnaik called for preservation and promotion of indigenous sports such as bamboo archery and bamboo climbing, saying that they are living expressions of the state's rich cultural heritage.

The governor said that these traditional sports reflect the courage, agility and endurance of ancestors.

Presenting trophies to the overall team champion and overall runners-up of the 'Seva Sankalp Utsav - State Level Traditional Sports Competition & Nukkad Natak' at Dera Natung Govt College here on Saturday, the governor suggested involving community elders and organising competitions at village, district and state levels for preservation of indigenous games and sports.

At the same time, he said, modern sports science, nutrition, physiotherapy, injury prevention, and mental conditioning should support the state's athletes in unlocking their full potential.

The governor said that the Seva Sankalp Utsav is an occasion that brings together the spirit of service, the power of sports, the richness of the country's cultural heritage and the values of responsible citizenship.

He said that Seva Sankalp Utsav commemorates the 25-year journey of Narendra Modi in public service, from being the chief minister of Gujarat to becoming the prime minister of India.

"His journey from humble beginnings to the highest executive office in the country inspires all to pursue our aspirations with determination, discipline and hard work," Parnaik said, and expressed wish that the Seva Sankalp Utsav would inspire a lasting movement of service, sportsmanship, cultural pride and responsible citizenship across the state.

The governor said that the prime minister has always emphasised the four pillars of the nation, ie, farmers, women, youths and soldiers, recognising their vital contributions to India's progress, security and development. "His initiatives, such as Digital India, Skill India, Startup India and Khelo India, along with the National Education Policy 2020 and Fit India movement, reflect the emphasis on digital empowerment, skill development, entrepreneurship, education, sports and well-being," the governor said.

The governor urged the youths of the state to draw inspiration from the public service journey of the prime minister and uphold the values of dedication, perseverance and integrity in their daily life.

While commending the nukkad natak for "beautifully and motivationally depicting the life of Modi," the governor advised the artists to organise nukkad natak campaigns against drugs, alcoholism and corruption. He said that it would have a better impact if local languages, indigenous stories, music and theatre were used to connect with communities.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini also addressed the gathering.

Mein highlighted the various activities being organised across the state as part of the month-long Seva Sankalp celebration.

Jini briefed the gathering on the sporting competitions, and initiatives for youth empowerment by the state government.

Demonstration of traditional sports and felicitation of achievers in various fields, including Padma Shri awardee Techi Gubin, retired IGP Take Ringu, and social worker Deepak Nabam, were part of the occasion.

In the bamboo pole climbing, Thakngam Wangsu of Longding won the first prize, while Anandso Ngadong of Lohit and Raymay Rekhung of Changlang secured the second and third prize, respectively.

In dali competition, Bacemso Pul of Anjaw won the first prize, while Chatu Mossang of Changlang and Bengia Tajab of Kurung Kumey secured the second and third prize, respectively.

Tachung Samnam of Shi-Yomi won the traditional bamboo archery competition, while Joram Ade of Keyi Panyor and Kikar Lollen of West Siang secured the second and third prize, respectively.

Chow Piyaseng Manlai of Namsai won the first prize in bamboo stick running, followed by Rahim Billai of Lohit and Takar Nabum of Pakke-Kesang in second and third position, respectively.

In gilli danda, Dorjee Goiba of Shi-Yomi won the first position, while the second and third positions were secured by Rupeshwar Deori of Namsai and Licha Taja of Keyi Panyor, respectively.

In the team events, Kra Daadi district team won the first prize in tug-of-war (women's), while Kurung Kumey and Pakke-Kessang won the second and third prize, respectively.

In tug-of-war (men's), Keyi Panyor district team won the first prize, while West Siang and Kra Daadi received the second and third prize, respectively.

The overall team champion trophy went to Keyi Panyor district team, while Shi-Yomi district team finished overall runner-up.

The governor also witnessed the finals of the traditional sports competitions and the nukkad natak, 'Namoh Seva - Ankahi Kahaniya'.

MLAs Zingnu Namchoom and Techi Kaso, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Likha Nari Tadar, state BJP president Kaling Moyong, and Arunachal Olympic Association president Taba Tedir also attended the finale.

The month-long programme and the finale were organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, GoAP. (Lok Bhavan)