Pics:Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Mar 13: Pramod Madhwaraj, minister for fisheries, sports and youth affairs on Tuesday March 13 inaugurated state-of-the-art indoor stadium, gymnasium and multi-storeyed parking zone at Father Muller campus here.
P T Usha, former Indian track and field athlete attended the event as chief guest. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru blessed the premises.
In his inaugural speech, Pramod Madhwaraj said, "Father Muller indoor stadium is one of the best I have ever seen in Karnataka. With the objective of encouraging sports, the management took on the initiative to open this beautiful building. If every institution follows the same, then our youth will definitely shine in various sports activities. Sports enhance the confidence in youth. This confidence helps them in various stages of life.
"With this in mind, I have formulated a sports policy in the state. After two years of continuous research and consultation with senior sportspersons and officials of various departments, I formulated a sports policy. According to this policy, we must ensure that requirements of sportspersons are met. We have to ensure grace marks for students who are sports champions. As per this policy, on completion of their studies, youth must be provided jobs in all government departments. In addition, the government must ensure all kinds of facilities for students interested in sports right from their primary education.
"The policy also provides for a 'Kreeda Protsaha' award for the institution which provides a good platform for sports. The award contains Rs five lac and a memento. There is no doubt that the management of Father Muller indoor stadium is eligible for this award. So on this joyful day I congratulate the management and wish them success."
In his presidential speech Dr Aloysius Paul said, "Today we are celebrating the 177th birth anniversary of Father Muller. With a great vision he came to India and began his service for the poor in Mangaluru. Today, Father Muller Charitable Institution continues the service which he dreamt. Next to health and education, we have today stepped into the arena of sports. It is a great day for us. This sophisticated indoor stadium was a dream of our past director the late Fr Patrick Rodrigues who laid the foundation stone for this. We must remember him on this day.
"When we are at an age where we can play, we must do so. This stadium is specially built for the healthy physique of our youth and to encourage them in sports. It is my request that everyone make use of this facility. I am grateful to all who worked for this to happen."
In her speech P T Usha lauded the charitable works of Father Muller institution and appreciated the management for setting up the new indoor stadium.
Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. A documentary on Father Muller Charitable Institutions was released by the bishop and guests. Fr Rudolf Ravi D'Sa, administrator FMMCH and Fr Ajith B Menezes, FMMC were present on the dais. M P Noronha, secretary, Mangaluru diocese pastoral council was also present.
Father Muller indoor stadium, gymnasium and multi-storeyed parking zone is one of the finest facilities under the aegis of Father Muller Charitable Institutions. It is a fully integrated state-of-the-art sports complex of national standard with centralized air-conditioning and a total playing area of 20,000 sq ft. The complex has facilities for playing badminton, basketball, volleyball and a state-of-the-art gymnasium with latest equipment and a sprawling 4,500 sq ft area of PU flooring. The indoor sports area holds two pool tables and table tennis, along with a 1,000 sq ft squash court. The multi-level car parking area with a total of 85,400 sq ft can accommodate 350 cars at a time.
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