Mangaluru: Principal Secretary of the 19th Federation Cup – National Senior Athletics Championship 2015 Dr Nagambika Devi held a press meet at the Mangala stadium here on April 28.
Speaking on the occasion Dr N Nagambika Devi, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Youth Empowerment and Sports Department said that it is a great moment for all of us. The Federation cup is like a festival, it is a track and field event and the winners will be selected for the Olympics, common wealth games or Asian games.
Winners will be trained and sent to take part in the international games. This is a important event, the Federation cup is being held in Karnataka especially in Mangaluru for the first time. In 1987 the Open national games, took place in Mangaluru and this is the second National event. More than 800 athletes will be participating in the 19th Federation Cup. Some have already arrived to Mangaluru and they are practising on the track. There are various competitions and all measures have been taken for the smooth functioning of the event. All the Athletes will be provided food and accommodation, so that they should feel the homely atmosphere.
She further said that from the past six months Abhaychandra Jain is striving hard to make this event a grand success in the District. The Deputy commissioner has also taken special interest. It is a great pride for the DC because during his tenure a national level event is taking place and the credit goes to the district administration and the DC.
In Bengaluru when a national level event took place in 1997, the stadium was upgraded, and the sports infrastructure was also improved. It is a great exposure to the local Athletes because many international fame athletes will be taking part in the events. It is a great experience for the athletes too. Even the people of Mangaluru will get an opportunity to see athletes of international fame on April 30.
The Dakshina Kannada District is famous for hospitality, athletes will surely enjoy the hospitality because Udupi hotel is world famous. To make the inauguration and closing ceremony grand, we have made all the arrangements. She also said that the media will be briefed from time to time. Warming-up track is also getting ready. Rs 65 lakh has been spent to purchase sports equipment. A Helpdesk will be set up in the railway station and airport to avoid any confusion.
She also said that athletes winning medals and titles in prestigious international sports such as Olympics, Asian and common wealth games will be given Special Awards including cash of Rs 1 crore for the Gold medal winners, Rs 50 lakh for winning the silver medal and Rs 25 lakh for the bronze medal. Whoever wins in international sports should not go to anyone for financial help. We have also taken measures to encourage teams by awarding them individually. So far we have awarded Rs 11.9 crore to the winners.
The sports is very important as it encourages athletes to practice integrity, honesty, team work, sportive spirit and healthy competition. We have also decided to bring out a sports policy which will be ready in six months to encourage athletes.
Secretary General All India Federation, C K Valson speaking on the occasion said, “When I came to Mangaluru last month to check the ground it was not in good shape, I had sent a report to the sports minister. He had then assured me to arrange everything within a month and according to his assurance all the arrangements have been done. new sports equipment have been purchased. The government has also supported by sanctioning Rs one crore. Valson also said that all the arrangements have been done and the events will be go on smoothly.
President of Dakshina Kannada Athletic Association Manjunath Bhandary delivered the vote thanks. Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, H S Venkatesh, Tejomaya and others were also present.
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