Kalimpong, Dec. 1: Lack of indoor sports infrastructure in Darjeeling district has not come in the way of under-19 teams performing well at the state-level Boys’ Volleyball School Championship and Badminton School Championship.

Of the 13 players from the district who represented the DGHC volleyball team, three have been chosen for the selection trials to play for Bengal at the national level. Similarly, of the 13 who had represented the DGHC badminton team, one player has been asked to appear for the selection trials.

“The state under-19 Boys Volleyball School Championship was held in Burdwan from November 21 to 23. Our team stood second while North 24 Parganas stood first. Of the 13 players who played, three were chosen for the selection trial. We are now awaiting a confirmation letter in this regard,” said Sudeep Pradhan, a coach of the DGHC volleyball team.

“To be chosen for the selection trial means that the players may get to represent Bengal and rise to the national level. Last year, three players had been chosen for the selection trial,” said N.R. Pradhan, secretary of Kalimpong subdivision DGHC School Sports and Co-Curricular Activity.

The three players chosen for the volleyball selection trials are Shiva Mangrati from Kalimpong, Dipesh Diyali from Kurseong and Rupen Pradhan from Mirik.

The state under-19 Badminton School Championship was held at Garia from November 14 to 19. Though the DGHC team did not perform well, Praveen Lama of Kalimpong was chosen for the selection trials.

Talking about the sports potential of the youths from the hills, N.R. Pradhan said: “There are many talented youths in the hills. There is, however, a lack of infrastructure. There are no proper places for practice like indoor stadiums or gymnasiums.”