Mysuru:  More than 800 athletes from all seven taluks of the district will take part in the week-long District-level Dasara Sports Meet that began at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium here yesterday.

Inaugurating the sports meet, District Minister V. Somanna said that the State Government was committed for promoting sports and talented sportspersons in the State. Adding that participating in the Dasara Sports itself was a big achievement, Somanna said the event was a good opportunity for budding talents to express themselves during the sports meet and said that the present State Government would continue with all events started by the previous Governments.

Competitions will be held in the following categories for both men and women: 100 mts, 200 mts, 400 mts, 800 mts, 1,500 mts and 5,000 mts run, long-jump, high-jump, shot-put, triple jump, javelin-throw, discuss-throw, 110 mts hurdles, 4×100 mts relay, 4×400 mts relay, volleyball, football, kho-kho, kabaddi, basketball, handball, wrestling, table tennis, ball badminton, shuttle badminton, throwball and hockey.

Meanwhile, competitions are also being held for selection at the District-level which includes: Tennis, netball, swimming (both men and women) — 100 mts freestyle, 200 mts freestyle, 400 mts freestyle, 100 mts and 200 mts breaststroke, 100 mts and 200 mts backstroke, 100 mts butterfly, 200 mts individual medley, 4×100 mts freestyle relay. The event that began today will be held till Sept. 25 and the winners will be selected to represent Mysuru division in the State-level Dasara Sports Meet that begins on Sept. 29.

Flag rope snaps

District Minister V. Somanna had to face an embarrassing situation during the inauguration of District-level Dasara Sports Meet yesterday as the rope tied to the sports flag snapped when he was about to hoist it. Later, the officials had to somehow unfurl the flag.

The Minister, who looked a little irked over the incident, took the garland meant for his felicitation and put it on K. Suresh, Assistant  Director, DYES.