Rs. 2 crore released for swimming pool – Sports Minster Appachu Ranjan

Rs. 2 crore released for swimming pool – Sports Minster Appachu Ranjan

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Oct 17, 2012 : M. P. Appachu Ranjan, minister for sports and youth affairs, said that Rs. 2 crore will be released for the construction of a swimming pool of international standards at the Mahatma Gandhi District Ground at Ajjarkadu in Udupi.

Addressing reporters after chairing a review meeting on facilities at sports hostels, the minister said that the swimming pool requires Rs. 4 crore. He also said that the sports department is planning to introduce state-of-the-art facilities in sports hostels and construct well-equipped stadiums in all districts. Eleven districts in Karnataka have well-equipped stadiums and 23 districts have sports hostels, he added.

Stating that a good sports policy is being framed, he said that it will be finalized in two more months. The sports policy will deal with qualifications required for admission to sports hostels, job reservations for sports persons, and so on.

To deal with the problem of shortage of coaches, he said that the department might appoint foreign coaches in addition to recruiting 290 more coaches.

The minister also said that steps will be taken to properly utilize funds for sports development, adding that separate committees will be formed district-wise to monitor earmarking of funds and other sports-related issues. Kreeda Sanjeevini, an insurance scheme for sports personnel, will be extended to all districts, he added.

The minister also announced that he will pay surprise visits to sports hostels to check infrastructure and qualify of food provided.

On this occasion, MLA Raghupathi Bhat said that the Karnataka Badminton Academy has selected Udupi as the second KBA centre, as part of which a 20-day camp for 50 players will be held and one permanent coach will be appointed.