Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Aug 29: “Sports science centre worth Rs two crores has been approved for district,” said Karnataka state minister of fisheries, youth empowerment and sports Pramod Madhwaraj.

He was speaking after inaugurating national sports day held at Udupi town hall on Tuesday, August 29 by departments of youth empowerment and sports, physical education, Dr G Shanker government first grade college for women, post graduate research centre, Lions club Parkala and different sports groups in Udupi.

“Two sports science centres costing Rs two crores each have been announced and approved in Bengaluru and Udupi. Necessary nutritious food for sportspersons will be prepared, research on essential medicines, treatment for injured sportspersons and rehabilitation and research activities to improve performances of sportspersons will be taken up here,” he said.

“Rs 285 crores have been set aside in the present budget for department of sports. Sports hostels will be constructed for female sportspersons at four different places in the state including Udupi at a cost of Rs one crore. Two international quality modern gyms will be constructed in Udupi and Bengaluru. Fourteen swimming pool contracts have been given to private persons. An income of Rs 67 lacs is earned in two months after those are taken over by the department. Distribution of food in all the sports hostels in the state is taken over by the department from private parties. Nutritious food in fixed quantities will be provided to sportspersons.”  

“The telephone numbers of higher officials of the department are displayed in the hostels to inform them of any inadequacies. Organizations which promote sports will be encouraged along with sportspersons who attain excellent achievements. Rupees five lac will be awarded to ten sports organizations in the state.”

“Construction of lawn tennis court worth Rs four crores is in progress in Udupi which will be completed in two months. A proposal for international quality swimming pool worth Rs eight cores at Nejar has been submitted to the union government. Land measuring 6.5 acres has been identified for full-fledged cricket stadium at Brahmavar. Athletic academy and swimming academy will be started spending Rs two crores and one crore respectively,” he said.

Prajna K and Afrid who have secured medals on national level sports were felicitated. Three schools which excelled in Nammoora Shale Nammoora Janathe programme were awarded Rs 90,000 each and sports teachers were presented Rs 10,000. Cheques worth Rs 4.5 lacs were presented to fifteen youth mandalas for arranging rural sports.
Zilla panchayat president Dinaker Babu, Udupi corporation president Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje, G Shanker government women’s first grade college principal Professor Jagadish Rao, Parkala Lions club president Harish and presidents of various sports organizations in the district were present.

Youth empowerment and sports department assistant director Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty welcomed. Prashanth Havanje compered the programme.