Berhampur: Competitions on the traditional rural sports, which are almost extinct, were organised Sunday among girl students of schools and colleges in Ganjam district, functionaries of an organisation said. They said the competitions were organised to revive the traditional rural sports, which were once considered the best form of entertainment for girls. The winners will be awarded in the ‘kumar punei janha lo’ cultural show organised by the Madhumaya Panigrahi Foundation (MPF) on the day of Kumar Purnima October 28. At least seven rural sports competitions were held at Khallikote stadium here. These sports included Khapara Dian, Kaudi Khela, Daudi Dian (skipping), Sankha Nada (blowing of conch shells), ‘Thia Puchi’, ‘Basa Puchi’ and Hulahuli in two categories-senior, and junior.
More than 300 students from different schools and colleges of Berhampur, the Silk City, and its adjoining areas participated in the competitions, said an officer of the organisation. Khallikote Unitary University Vice Chancellor Prafulla Mohanty and Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Mayor Sanghamitra Dalei attended the event as the guests.