Ludhiana, Oct. 24 -- Even as government primary schools gear up for block-level sports competitions from October 28, the absence of sports teachers and the delay in the release of funds have cast a shadow over the preparations. The event, meant to promote physical fitness and sportsmanship among young students, is struggling with financial and staffing hurdles.

Before the upcoming block-level contests, centre-level competitions were held in the second week of October. However, teachers revealed that the funds for those events have not yet been released. Each centre had been allotted a budget of Rs.2,000, but the amount was paid from the teachers' own pockets. "We were told that the money would be reimbursed, but it has not happened so fa...