M’lore: Independence Cup Football Tourney Inaugurated, More Support to the Game Sought
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jul 18: The 15th Independence Cup Football Tournament 2011 organized by D K district football association (affiliated to Karnataka state football association) was inaugurated at Nehru Maidan here on Monday July 18.
Mayor Praveen inaugurated the tournament which will conclude on Aug 15, Independence Day. Speaking on the occasion, he said that all co-operations will be extended by MCC for the development of football ground.
P Jairam Hande, general manager, Karnataka Bank, Professor PCM Kunhi, PC Group, Divakar, corporator, Faradh, director of finance, Yenepoya University, Shekar Puthran, fish commission agent were the guests of honour.
As many as 160 football teams from DK, Kodagu and Udupi districts are participating in the tournament. Per day 12 matches will be held and the final matches of different categories like primary school teams, high school teams, PU teams, professional colleges like medical and engineering will be held on Aug 15. There are separate boys and girls teams playing in each category.
More Support to Football Urged
Outdoor sport is very essential for any child’s body and mind. Even parents in D K district are motivating their children to play outdoor games but lack of support by the concerned authorities to maintain the football ground in city has irked the football players and game lovers. This was expressed at the inaugural function of Independence cup.
In an appeal addressed to the district commissioner, DK district, it is said that Nehru Maidan which existed since more than a century, now has been encroached by local administrators in different stages or phases. Koylo Britto, a prestigious family in city donated the 24 acres of land to Government in the year 1907 on the condition that it should be utilized for sports related activities. The Government administered the responsibility of maintaining this ground to MCC. But now MESCOM, fish market, private bus stand, tempo stands have been encroaching on the land.
The administration in stead of maintaining a good play ground located in heart of the city is giving the ground for organizing political, religious and other social programmes. They dig holes on the ground, but keep them present even after the completion of the event. The actual condition of the ground will not be gained even after a week.
The state high court has already directed to shift the private bus stand and to construct hockey ground therein. During rainy season rain water enters from the side roads and flows on the football ground.
D M Aslam, president of DK district Football Association requested mayor Praveen to take up some positive steps in favour of the football players and game lovers and to initiate developmental work for regaining the glory of the football ground in city.