Women''s football begins tomorrow

Jamshedpur, Feb 12 (PTI) Jharkhand will take on Haryanain the opening match of women''s football event in the 34thNational Games at JRD Tata Sports Complex here tomorrow.

Seven of the participating teams, including defendingchampion Orissa, have already arrived in Jamshedpur, which isone of the host cities of the mega event.

Jamshedpur will host five events -- archery, boxing,equestrian and weightlifting, besides women''s football.

Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Jharkhand were placed inGroup A while Group B comprised last edition runners-upManipur, West Bengal and Assam.

Besides the Haryana-Jharkhand encounter, the inauguralday will also see matches between Orissa and Tamil Nadu andWest Bengal and Assam in the same venue.

Meanwhile, the Steel City is all set to welcome around1500 sportspersons and officials who have already startedarriving.

The organisers were giving finishing touches at GopalMaidan, the venue for the equestrian events beginning fromFebruary 14.

Nine teams, including Services, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra, Haryana, West Bengal, Manipur and Jharkhand willvie for top honour during a week-long competition.

The East Singhbhum district administration has madeelaborate security arrangements, deploying para-militarypersonnel in and around the sports complex, official sourcessaid.