Jamshedpur, March 31: The Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) has decided to lay more emphasis on lesser-known games so that a strong state contingent could be formed.

Games like squash and sepak takraw, which are not widely played in Jharkhand, would be given importance from now on with the aim to churn out players in these disciplines who can come out with good performance in the forthcoming National Games.

For this, talks are going on about approaching the respective federations for bringing in coaches for nurturing the state talents.

Even the respective federations seem to have assured the state officials concerned about providing full support for nurturing players here. They have pledged to provide coaches to improve the performance of the players.

JOA general secretary S.M. Hashmi said: “Talks with the respective federations have been initiated. They have also assured that a coach would be provided within a week’s notice. That would help in bettering the performance.”

Sepek takraw is a sport native to south-east Asia. The game resembles volleyball except that it uses a rattan ball and only allows players to use their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball. The ball used is spherical in shape, made of synthetic fibre.

Although the sepak takr-aw is a lesser-known sport, Jharkhand has been participating in national-level matches and the state team has performed well.

Hashmi said the JOA would approach the squash federation through the Indian Olympic Association for getting assistance in the game. Both the sports are scheduled to take place in Dhanbad.