Mangaluru: State Minister for Sports, Fisheries and Youth Affairs, K Abhaychandra Jain inaugurated the National Level Football tournament organised by Mangalore Sports Club by symbolically releasing the white doves and balloons at the Nehru Football Maidan here, on April 14.
Former Mayor Ashraf welcomed the gathering. Speaking on the occasion, Jain said, “MSC has revived football in Mangaluru and to show the commitment of the government towards the development of football in the region, Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned and already Rs 25 lakh has been deposited in the account of the Deputy Commissioner. We just need the permission of the Mayor to begin the work, which I am sure he will oblige.”
Jain further said, “Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned towards building a swimming pool of international standards. An additional Rs 5.5 crore will be secured for the project. We have identified 8 acres of land in Kottara to build a cricketing turf for cricket lovers in the district. The Chief Minister has also set aside Rs 5 crore for NSS and Rs 35 crore has been handed over to the sports development authority.”
Mayor Harinath congratulated Ashraf, under whose leadership the tournament was organised and wished the tournament all the success.
MLA Mohiuddin Bava, Chairman of Shree Devi Education Trust A Sadananda Shetty and others were also present.