Mangaluru: Dasara Sports Meet 2016-17 was inaugurated by Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo on Sunday, August 28 at Mangala stadium.

Addressing the gathering, Lobo said that any sport can be a great stress buster and it is one of the means to maintain good health.

“With advancement in technology, youngsters are losing the connection to sports and hence it is imperative to lay more emphasis on sports in schools and colleges,” he said. He further stated that change in the mindset may help India in bagging more medals at the Olympics.

“Even smaller countries perform better than India at the international arena because we lack focus. Students should give the same amount of importance to sports and other activities as they give to studies,” he said urging the schools, parents and government to make sure that necessary support is extended to students who can excel in sports.

Lilly Pais, assistant director, youth service and sports officer, Mangaluru welcomed the gathering and Pradeep D’souza, assistant director, youth service and sports department, Mangaluru thanked the gathering.

Mangaluru city corporation Mayor, K Harinath; president of taluk panchayath, Mohammed Monu; KSRTC director, T K Sudhir; Zilla panchayath vice president, Kasturi Panja and others were present.