Andaman sports contingent leaves for Guwahati

Port Blair, Feb 7 (UNI) A 51-member squad comprising 39 portspersons, has left to participate in the 33rd National Games to be held in Guwahati from February 9-18.

''Mr FE Andrew, Mr Easudasan, Mr S Sengupta, Mr Johney Romal are the Coaches accompanying the teams. 2006 Asian Cycling Championship Silver medallist Kumari B Neeta will be the flag bearer of the team,'' Assistant Director of Andaman's Sports, Arts and Culture Department U N Choudhary told UNI today.

As per competition schedule announced, the island's sportspersons would start their events on February 10 in cycling, rowing, kayaking and canoeing.

To avoid a long voyage and adverse affects on performance, the sportspersons and team officials have been sent up to Kolkata by flight, Dr Choudhary said.

The island's Kayaking and Canoeing Association, Rowing Association and Cycling Association have announced Rs 5000 for the sportspersons winning a Gold Medal in the games.

''This will be in addition to the cash awards of Rs 30,000 for Gold, Rs 25,000 for Silver and Rs 20,000 for Bronze admissible under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration's Cash Awards Scheme,'' he said.

UNI