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Steps on to improve sports infrastructure: Minister

WISIHING THEM SUCCESS: Puducherry Sports Minister M.O.H.F. Shahjahan presenting a bouquet to members of the Indian carrom team in Puducherry on Tuesday.

PUDUCHERRY: Minister for Education and Sports M.O.H.F. Shahjahan on Tuesday said the government was taking steps to improve sports infrastructure in the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters after a function to felicitate the members of the Indian team that would participate at the Third Malaysian Open Carrom Championship after the conclusion of a coaching camp in Puducherry, Mr. Shahjahan said Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Uppalam would be renovated in a phased manner.

“The estimated cost of the work is Rs. 20 crore and we are pressing the Centre for funds. The Lt Governor has also suggested that we could take a loan from HUDCO for this purpose. A committee is finalising the company that will undertake the work,” he added.

The Minister said the government had written to the BCCI requesting it to construct a cricket stadium here. “We have also asked them to upgrade our status to a State from that of a district.”

The members of the Indian carom team as per all India ranking are Women: Rashmi Kumari, Ilavazhagi, Ayesha Mohammad and Barsha Barah; Men: R. Arokiaraj, Radhakrishnan, Yogesh Pardeshi and R.M. Shankara.

International coach Arun Deshpande expressed confidence that the team would do well. UT Pondicherry Carom Association office-bearers C. J Henderson, S. Selvaganapathy, V. P Sivakozhundu and P. Rajakannu, and Pondicherry Chess Association president A. Bakthavatchalam were present on the occasion.

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