New Delhi, Dec 29:The 57th National School Games began in the city on Dec 28 in which more than 7,000 players from various states are taking part. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the seven-day-long event. Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit said Delhi government would continue to encourage budding players.

"Delhi sportspersons have been earning laurels and recognition at various national and international levels. The country has great expectations from them. We will continue to encourage budding players," she said. She said Delhi government has made mandatory for every student studying in schools run by it to take part in one of the sports offered by the schools.

"There would be no dearth of money for imparting sports training. The Government would continue to encourage youngsters and budding sports persons by all means," she said Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said more than 7000 players from various states are participating in 17 different events like baseball, netball, wrestling and kho-kho. He said Delhi government would provide better training facilities to sportspersons and engage coaches of international standard.

PTI