Imphal, April 20: As part of the army?s ?Mission Olympics? launched by chief of army staff Gen. J.J. Singh, the army has shortlisted over a dozen talented youngsters in Manipur for specialised coaching in different disciplines.

Altogether 15 children, medically examined by doctors specialised in sports medicine, will soon be sent to the Army Sports Institute in Pune for a further round of selection in athletics, boxing, swimming and weightlifting.

Youngsters inducted into the institution will be trained under the patronage of the army, to prepare them for the Olympics.

?Mission Olympics? envisages tapping the talent of youngsters in various disciplines and training them to achieve excellence. Accordingly, a systematic approach has been undertaken by the army?s Red Shield Division in association with the department of youth affairs and sports.

This assistance of the Red Shield Division to hone the skills of the youth in the state will not be a one-time attempt. The army intends to continue this endeavour.