Tuesday, September 30 2008

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High Commissioner for india Jagit Singh Sapra, centre, talks to Cadell Lyons, left, and Joshua McLeod....

MEMBERS of the Trinidad and Tobago team for Commonwealth Youth Games recently paid a courtesy call to High Commissioner of the Republic of India Jagit Singh Sapra in Port-of-Spain.

Swimmers Cadell Lyons and Joshua McLeod presented His Excellency Sapra with a token of appreciation for his guidance and his offer to assist the team should any immigration issues arise.

The High Commissioner provided tremendous insight into the culture, traditions and climate of Pune – his birthplace which is renowned for hosting several world class events, including India’s oldest marathon. World class sports facilities, modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity by multiple means of transport and a rich cultural heritage coupled with a healthy climate, vouch for Pune’s candidature as the host city for the third Commonwealth Youth Games 2008. It is the first time that the Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Asia. The inaugural games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland in August 2000. The second were held in Bendigo, Australia, in 2004. The III Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Pune from October 12 to 18. Over 1,300 athletes and 350 officials from 71 countries will participate in nine disciplines.

Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling are included in this year’s competition. The Commonwealth Youth Games are an extremely significant event for India as they will form the back-bone for her quest for maximum medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.