Pics: Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 5: India's second and state’s first international standard synthetic indoor tennis stadium was inaugurated by Sports and Youth Empowerment minister Rahim Khan on Monday, February 4, near the district stadium, Ajjarkadu in Udupi.
He also inaugurated the new air-conditioned gymnasium centre, hostel of women sportspersons, disabled friendly toilets and synthetic ramp.
The stadium for the tennis players was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.75 crore.
In his inaugural address minister Rahim Khan stressed on the need of good infrastructure and atmosphere for players. “This time we have planned to double the fund in the budget to provide healthy, nutritional and protein food for sports persons. They need basic requirements first. Udupi is better than other districts in education and sports,” he said.
“As there is a proposal of constructing cricket stadium in Udupi, I will try to make it happen. I will do my best to help the players,” Khan said.
“If there are any problems just write a letter to my office and I will attend them for sure. Caste issue dominates everywhere, but caste discrimination cannot be seen in sports field. Emerging sports persons have lot of opportunities. Sports persons are always strong and tough. They have helping nature. The department will work towards strengthening of sports field,” he assured.
Sports minister announced Rs 5 lac each for siblings Sachin and Sahina from Perdur, international level tennis players. He assured to provide a good coach to them.
District-in-charge minister Dr Jayamala said, “If all parties work together for a good cause, definitely the goal will be achieved. That is called true dharma in the sense of service. One should honour and appreciate good work.” She also advised the officials to correct the ramp built for physically challenged people at the stadium.
“People of Udupi are dreaming to have a cricket stadium. A land has been identified at Kolalgiri. The present tennis stadium needs to be extended and need additional coaches. Maintenance is important,” she said.
“Let more sports personalities shine at international level,” she added.
Speaking on the occasion, Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat said, “Udupi has a lot of sports persons and athletes. But they were not able to achieve their dream only because of the lack of infrastructure. Tennis players can now practice and play even during monsoon season. Today there are many people of Udupi shining at national and international level but there is lack of trainers.”
He further said, “A swimming academy was sanctioned to Udupi, but it is not implemented so far. There are talents in coastal area, but proper facilities are lacking. There are people who encourage the sports personalities here,”
“Cricket lovers are expecting to have Cricket stadium here. A 10 acre government land is reserved at Kolalgiri for the purpose. A proposal on this has been sent to deputy commissioner,” Bhat said.
“This stadium includes all necessary requirements like green room, an equipment room and a first aid room, separate toilets for men and women, trainer’s room, rest room, bathroom and a drinking water facility. The indoor tennis court is built at a height of 50 feet. There are 2 synthetic courts in it. A well-equipped gallery has been arranged for viewing and can host around 500 audiences which can be accommodated at a time. There is also provision for parking near the stadium. Its total area is 14,600 square feet. It is 120 square feet long and 122 square feet wide,” he added.
“A sum of Rs 3.75 crore has been spent on the construction of the tennis stadium. This includes Rs 1 crore provided by the Department of Sports and Youth Empowerment during the term of former minister Pramod Madhwaraj and Rs 1 crore by Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes under his MPLADS fund. The balance amount has come from the Zilla Panchayat, the Udupi Municipal Council and the Stadium Development Committee,” he informed.
K Srinivas, commissioner, youth empowerment and sports department, Dr G Kalpana, government additional chief secretary, sports and youth empowerment department,
Bhaskar Shetty, Dinakar Babu, president Zilla panchayat, Arun Kumar Shetty, project director, Nirmithi Kendra, Nalini Pradeep Rao, president, taluk panchayat and others were present.
Roshan Kumar Shetty, assistant director of Sports and Youth Empowerment department welcomed the gathering.
Kusumakar Shetty, assistant Yuva Jana Seva and sports officer proposed vote of thanks.
Sathishchandra Shetty Chithrapady compered the programme.
Minister plays Tennis
After the inauguration of tennis stadium, Sports Minister Rahim Khan and MLA Raghupati Bhat got into tennis court and played a tennis match. Inspired by the stadium, Dr Jayamala got into the field with tennis racquet and started playing the game. She caught the attention of people by playing and spent 10 minutes at the new stadium.
Later the ministers and the MLA had fun at gymnasium centre by lifting dumbbells, pull-ups and on motorized treadmill. Students were also thrilled looking at the equipment at the centre.