Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Mar 22: Minister for sports and fisheries Pramod Madhwaraj along with MLA J R Lobo on Thursday March 22 laid the foundation stone for a world class indoor stadium for Kabaddi and badminton worth Rs 6.5 crore at Urwa Market, an outdoor stadium at Yekkur worth Rs 1.5 crore and an ideal berthing jetty at Sulthan Battery worth Rs five crore.
Addressing the gathering, Pramod Madhwaraj said, "It is moment to cherish for the residents of Yekkur as a new outdoor stadium worth Rs 1.5 crore will be dedicated to public here. I am sure that people of all age can make use of this stadium which will have a walking track and a space to play."
"MLA J R Lobo is very patient in his work and he knows how to bring funds to his constituency for development works. I have sanctioned concerned funds to the project as it is my duty to do so. I have also brought sports policy for sports enthusiasts to come forward in this stream. Earlier there was a budget of Rs 140 crore but now it has been raised up to Rs 25 crore in which I managed to sanction funds for development works in this sports sector."
Further praising Lobo, Madhwaraj said, “MLA J R Lobo has done PhD in how to bring funds for development works and utilize it to the utmost level. He has broad vision for the overall development of the city. Lobo is walking in the path of turning his dream into reality. Lobo has keen interest in sports sector which is rare among the ministers. He approached the government for the funds to develop the sports sector in city.
"We should encourage students to come forward in sports. For them, the sports policy has been made with a provision of grace marks. The attendance shortage of students who take part in sports should be compensated. If there is a clash in exam and sports meet then students should be allowed to participate in sports. Special examination will be conducted for them at a later date. 2% of job recruitments will be considered for students who excel in sports,” he said.
MLA J R Lobo said, "This stadium will encourage the sports enthusiast in bringing them forward. I thank Pramod Madhwaraj for sanctioning funds at one go when I first approached him. Along with stadium at Yekkur and Urwa, there is an international standard swimming pool which is coming up at Yemmekere. So three big projects will soon come up in Mangaluru."
Mayor Bhaskar Moily, corporator Praveen Chandra Alva, Sabitha Misquith, Amarnath Shetty and others were present.