Mangaluru: The district minister in-charge, Ramanath Rai handed over Rs 50,000 to power lifter Geetha Bai which was granted by the Youth empowerment and Sports Department at the 19th Federation Cup and National Senior Athletic Championship -2015 meeting held at the MCC office here on March 3. Minister Jain also assured his support to Geetha Bai.
Discussions were held on hosting the 19th Federation Cup and National Senior Athletic Championship – 2015.
Minister for Fisheries and Youth Services and Sports, Abhayachandra Jain speaking on occasion said that there are three types of competitions, interstate, open national and federation cup which will help the sports persons to qualify in the international sports.
1000 people will be taking part in the sports meet. This is the first time, Karnataka state has got the opportunity to host the National Federation Cup Athletic Championship and the Amateur Athletic Association Bengaluru has given the opportunity to hold it in Mangaluru. The National Federation Cup Athletic Championship will be held on May 1 to May 4, 2015 at the Mangala stadium.
He further said that before the meet permanent drinking water facilities and flood lights should be installed at the stadium. Sports items will be purchased and we will not compromise on the quality while purchasing these items. Jain also said that money should be spent very carefully because it is tax payers’ money which should be utilized in a proper way.
Deputy Commissioner speaking on the occasion said, “Funds are important to have such events. We have to see how much money the government will sanction for the sports meet. We have a quotation of Rs 3.5 crore to install permanent flood lights. But at the same time, we have to see whether it is worth installing it by spending such a huge amount.”
He further said, “To make this programme successful, we need to bring all institutions together. We have to form an organizing committee. Chief minister Siddaramaiah and G Parameshwar will be the chief patrons. Ramanath Rai will be the chairman of the committee. The expenses will be upto one crore or more. The inaugural ceremony will be held on April 30 and the sports meet will start on May 1 and conclude on May 4”.
Jain said that in Moodbidri, the National level sports meet was held at Alvas. “More than 175 institutions took part in the meet. Temporary flood lights were installed and all the participants from all over the country appreciated the arrangements made by Dr Mohan Alva. We have to involve Dr Mohan Alva while finalizing with the temporary flood lights to be installed in the stadium.”
He also said that there are some problems in using the synthetic track, but the synthetic tracks are strictly for the athletes to practice and not for the morning walkers or joggers. “The stadium committee should not allow anyone to use the synthetic track for walking or jogging. We will arrange a place at the Karavali grounds for people who come for walk”.
MLA J R Lobo, MCC Commissioner Hephsibsa, Director of Youth empowerment and sports department H S Venkatesh, Mayor Mahabala Marla, deputy Mayor Kavitha and Manjunath Bhandary were also present.
Recognition at last – read our report dated Nov 30, 2012: