VISAKHAPATNAM: The two-day PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Mahotsav commenced on a grand note at the Port Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. The event was inaugurated by Joint Secretary of Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj Mukta Shekhar, Commissioner of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development of Andhra Pradesh Krishna Teja, and ace archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam.
The dignitaries opened 68 stalls set up by tribal communities from various States, showcasing traditional tribal products and cuisines.
These stalls featured items from Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. AP tribal women displayed Kondapalli and Etikoppaka toys, Mangalagiri and Venkatagiri sarees, handloom products, traditional food items, and delicacies like bamboo chicken.
As part of the PESA celebrations, a 10K run was organised in the morning from RK Beach’s Kali Mata temple to Tenneti Park. The run was flagged off by Jyothi Surekha.
Athletes from various States, along with Scouts and Guides, actively participated in the 10K run. In the men’s 10K run, Atul Chittod from Maharashtra secured the first place by completing the race in 34:54.15 seconds, followed by Suraj Mashi (34:54.86), and Manoj Hilin (35:00.56) in second and third spots. In the women’s category, Rajkumari from Rajasthan bagged the first place with a timing of 43:16.19 seconds.
Hira Sangh from Jharkhand came second with 44:18.14 seconds, and Priya from Himachal Pradesh finished third with 45:18.14 seconds.
Following the events, the Khelo India Kabaddi tournament saw enthusiastic participation from 18 teams representing 10 States, including 10 men’s and eight women’s teams.
The matches, held from morning onwards, captivated the audience with their intensity. In the men’s category, Madhya Pradesh emerged as the winner, followed by Odisha as runner-up, while Telangana and Gujarat shared third place.
In the women’s category, Jharkhand emerged victorious, with Madhya Pradesh as runner-up, and Maharashtra and Odisha securing third place.
In the archery competition, 20 athletes from eight States participated, including 12 men and 8 women showcasing their skills.
In the men’s individual category, Krishna Pingua from Jharkhand won the gold medal, Badri Lal Meena from Rajasthan silver, and Dinesh Murmu from Jharkhand bronze. In the women’s individual category, Khushi Nanoma from Rajasthan won gold, Anuradha Kumari from Jharkhand silver, and Ambika Pandey from Odisha bronze. All winners will be felicitated at the valedictory of the festival at the Port Kalavani Auditorium on Wednesday.
Demonstration sports events held at the cricket stadium in evening were a big draw.