Khelo India University Games will help unearth fresh talent: Somdev

New Delhi Tennis star Somdev Devvarman believes that the Khelo India University setup will have a positive impact on the players of university and college level who want to represent India at the highest levelThe first edition is being organised by the Government of Odisha in association with the Sports Authority of India Association of Indian Universities National Sports Federation and Indian Olympic Association IOA and participating universitiesThe games are slated to take place in Bhubaneshwar from February 22 to March1 to unearth more talentThe Khelo India school games which concluded last month was a huge success and the University games will change the dynamics of the sporting setup in India I feel there is a gap between school and college level sports We have different type of competitions when it comes to schools but I am happy that now the athletes will have one more important tournament to participate said the 34yearoldExpressing his thoughts on the college level competitions he said I have been a part of NCAA Mens Tennis tournaments during my four years at the University of Virginia they are very effective and helpful for players and I am happy to see that our government is starting such an initiative at the college level The NCAA has tapped talents who have represented their country at the Olympics and other international level tournaments and I believe Khelo India University games will help the Indian players in the same way but the results wont be immediate as it will take time to nurture talentThe Guwahati born has won several laurels for the country including gold medals in singles during the Commonwealth Games Delhi in 2010 and a gold medal in singles and doubles in the Asian Games Guangzhou 2010He has represented India in various international tournaments including ATP World Tour Grand Slam and Davis CupHis best achievement on the ATP World Tour was reaching the final of the Chennai Open in 2009 as a wild card entry Somdev was the only collegiate player to have made three consecutive finals at the NCAA winning backtoback finals in his junior and senior years at the University of VirginiaIn 2018 he was awarded with the civilian award Padma ShriSpeaking on the various government initiatives to promote sports the Arjuna Awardee said We have good opportunities through the government schemes but now I feel it can be much better Now we should focus on the results to build a sporting culture Two or three years wont be enough but it will take at least 910 years I also believe that at the end of the day the participation should increase for better results people should play sports not only to turn pro but also to stay fitCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updatesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever