Mangaluru prepares for Prestigious Federation Cup

Mangaluru prepares for Prestigious Federation Cup

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru: Mangaluru on behalf of the State of  Karnataka is set to host, for the first time, National Senior Athletics Championship for 19th Federation Cup, from April 30 to May 4 and preparations are in full swing. The event will be organised by Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, district administration, DK district Athletic Association and Karnataka Amateur Athletic Association. The logo will be released by the Chief Minister at Yavanika State Youth Centre in Bengaluru on march 31.

A preparatory meet chaired by Minister for Youth empowerment and Sports K Abhayachandra Jain was held at DC’s Hall in Mangaluru. Jain directed officials to ensure no reason is created for loopholes in the organising of the National event as this is a big opportunity not only Mangaluru but also for Karnataka. The Minister meanwhile directed the officials concerned to speed up the preparations, so as to meet the deadline.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Secretary CK Valson said the winners of the federation cup will be representing the nation in the international platform. As many as 1,000 athletes will take part in 45 events. 15 committees have been formed towards travel, food, accommodation and so on. Arrangement for separate gates will be made for the entry of VIPs, mediapersons, spectators and athletes. Doordarshan will do the live telecast of federation cup events. Meanwhile he said there was a requirement of sophisticated machinery for the maintenance of ground and the synthetic track.

Warm up track  : Minister K Abhayachandra Jain said steps will be taken to procure the materials. DK DC A B Ibrahim said that the exhibition ground will be used as the warm up track for participants. Regarding transportation facilities he directed the official concerned to book school and college buses for the benefit of athletes and to book PWD, NMPT and MRPL guests houses for accommodation.

Superintendent of Police S D Sharanappa said checking will be done in mornings and evenings on the ground. Also, patrolling will be done at spectators gallery. A police help desk will also be set up at the stadium. Security arrangements will be made at doping area.

Alva’s Education Trust Chairman M Mohan Alva suggested having a colourful procession prior to the formal function during the inaugural day. Also, cultural programme after the inaugural ceremony is expected.   The inaugural ceremony will be held on April 30 evening while the closing ceremony will be held on May 4.   The Chief Minister is to inaugurate the event, an international athlete is to participate as the chief guest and a celebrity is also to be invited. 

Speaking to mediapersons, Minister K Abhayachandra Jain said that Rs 2 crore has already been earmarked by the government and that a meeting will be held with banks towards the sponsorship of the event.  In coming days, synthetic track will be developed at Rs 20 lakh and plans are on anvil for building a separate indoor stadium for shuttle badminton. However, officials should work dedicatedly  for the success.