Govt Committed to Promote Sports in Karnataka – Minister Rahim Khan
Udupi: Rahim Khan state minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports inaugurated the first all-weather Tennis Stadium in the state at Ajjarkad on Monday, February 4. The minister also inaugurated the renovated air-conditioned Gymnasium center, girl’s sports hostel, ramp work and the specially-abled friendly toilets on the occasion.
The stage programme began with the Nadageethe, Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty deputy director for sports and youth empowerment Udupi district welcomed the gathering.
Addressing the gathering, minister Rahim Khan said that the state government is committed to promoting sports personalities. The ministry has decided to allocate a huge amount in the budget for the promotion and development of sports throughout the state. Sports activities needed greater exposure and more funds should be earmarked in the budget. Efforts are on to appoint more coaches across the state. The government has taken several steps to build and strengthen sports infrastructure in the state, he said.
The minister announced Rs 5 lakh each reward for two international Tennis players Sahana and Sachin on the occasion.
District minister in-charge Dr Jayamala appealed to the sports minister to announce the grant in the budget for the cricket stadium in Udupi district.
Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat, ZP president Dinakar Babu, TP president Nalini Pradeep Rao, Youth and sports department principal secretary Dr G Kalpana IAS, commissioner K Srinivas, ADC Vidya Kumari and others were present.
The all-weather stadium is being constructed at a cost of Rs 3.75 crore. Of this, Rs 1 crore has already been provided by the State government and MP’s Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund of Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes. The remaining Rs 2.5 crore has been sanctioned by the government, while Rs 25 lakh has being raised through other sources. This indoor tennis stadium will allow players to play throughout the year. We will be able to hold national-level tennis tournaments because of the synthetic court.