Dandeli: District In-charge Minister RV Deshpande on 3rd February, Saturday inaugurated the state level badminton tourney at the Indoor stadium here in Dandeli.

Speaking on the occasion after inaugurating, he said, Sports help one lead a peaceful life. Hence, more importance should be given to sports.

Observing that “life is like sports. For politicians, elections is like a sport. For students, exams are like sports. People must participate in one or the other sports in life”, he said.

He further noted that the sports inspires sportspersons to participate without differentiating between caste, religion or creed.

Dharwad’s international well-known badminton player Abhishek Yaligar said, “alongwith the goal of winning, sportspersons should have patience and work hard”.

Dandeli Badminton Sangha President Prakash Shetty, who presided over the programme said, “our sangha was started three years ago and this year State-level tourney was organised. A total of 80 teams are participating”.

MLC S L Ghotnekar, TMC president Nagesh Sulanke, Sangha Organising Secretary Dr Vasik were present.