Visakhapatnam: India’s biggest National Championships for grass root athletes, the Shriram Properties National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet (NID-JAM) is coming soon to Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). The NID-JAM, which is an initiative of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), is all set to be held at the Diamond Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in the port city, from September 5-7, 2015.

The State Government of Andhra Pradesh has come forward to support this path-breaking initiative which is expected to attract around 4,000 participants this time. AP chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who is an avid sports lover, had earlier requested the AFI to conduct the prestigious NID-JAM Championships in Visakhapatnam as he wishes to build the coastal city into a top sports hub of the country.

On this occasion, HRDminister Ganta Srinivasa Rao said, “Under the leadership and guidance of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Ji, the newly-created state of Andhra Pradesh will become a leading state in the country for promoting sports and encouraging sportspersons. We are extremely pleased to host the National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet 2015 in Visakhapatnam and I’m sure this will usher in more sporting events to be held in the state and further inspire our youth to excel in sports. I also congratulate the AFI for running such a dynamic programme for young athletes in the country.”

The Shriram Properties NID-JAM will be conducted for both boys and girls in the Under-16 and Under-14 age groups. The top talent emerging from the Championships will be considered by the AFI for selection for the National Youth Athletics Camp, from where the athletes are selected for future IAAF World Youth Championships, Asian Youth Championships and Commonwealth Youth Games.

On this occasion, the AFI President, Olympian and recipient of the Arjun Award, Adille J. Sumariwalla said in a statement from Beijing where he is accompanying the Indian Athletics Team at the IAAF World Championships, “The NID-JAM is the cornerstone of AFI’s programme for the promotion of Under-16 and Under-14 athletes. I’m grateful to the Hon’ble sports-loving Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Ji for extending a warm welcome and strong support to thousands of young athletes who are expected to participate in the Shriram Properties NID-JAM 2015. The concept of the championships is unique as it provides free boarding and lodging and travel to all the participants coming from across India and helps all those who are talented but may not be in a financial position to participate in the National Championships in the under-16 and under-14 category. These athletes could be the future prospects for the 2020 Olympic Games and 2024 Olympics.”

The AFI President also thanked the sponsors, Shriram Properties and its CEO Mr Balaji for supporting the NID-JAM. “I’m also thankful to Mr Balaji for choosing to support NID-JAM. It’s important for more sponsors and companies to come forward and support grass root sports and I congratulate Shriram Properties for taking the initiative.”

Visakhapatnam DC Dr N. Yuvaraj, IAS, said, “I thank our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Ji for his benign leadership and guidance for the preparations for the NID-JAM Championships. I would also like to thank the Hon’ble Minister for HRD, Shri Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Panchayat Raj, Shri C.H. Ayyannapatrudu, Hon’ble Sports Minister, Shri Atchannaidu Kinjarapu for their valuable guidance and support.”

On this occasion, Sriram Properties CEO Mr Balaji said, “As a passionate sports lover it is my dream to see Indian athletes win medals at the Olympics. I’m grateful to the Chandrababu Naidu, who is responsible for bringing the region on the world map by conducting the first-ever Afro-Asian Games in 2004, and I am grateful for his overwhelming support to our initiative for the Shriram Properties National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet.”