Karnataka   

Rs. 12 crore to develop sports infrastructure in Kodagu

In action: A volleyball match in progress at Kaggod in Kodagu on Saturday.

KAGGOD (KODAGU): Minister for Youth Services and Sports Goolihatti D. Shekar said on Saturday that Rs. 12 crore would be spent on sports infrastructure development in Kodagu.

He was addressing presspersons here after inaugurating the annual “Kesaru gadde” (wetland) sports and games in the paddy fields of C.D. Bopaiah.

Mr. Shekar said that an indoor stadium was being developed in Madikeri at a cost of Rs. 2 crore for which Rs. 1 crore had been released. A sum of Rs. 50 lakh had been released for the outdoor stadium in Madikeri. The defunct swimming pool too had been included in the development plan. Funds had been released to improve the indoor stadium at Kudige as well.

Over the next 12 years, stadiums would be ready in all taluks and districts of the State, the Minister said.

On the delay in offering a foundation course in sports for students of V to VII standard in Kodagu, Mr. Shekar said that a proposal in this regard had been received. When Madikeri MLA M.P. Appachu Ranjan mentioned about construction of stadiums in taluk centres, Mr. Shekar said that he would consult MP D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Deputy Speaker K.G. Bopaiah and legislators from Kodagu before embarking on a programme. A sum of Rs. 100 crore received from the 12th Finance Commission was being spent all over the State to develop and improve sports infrastructure. Of this amount, Rs. 25 crore had been spent, he added.

Referring to “Kesaru Gadde” sports and games here, Mr. Shekar said that the Government would release funds to build a pavilion and a gallery for the spectators. He would ask the youth services and sports officer to submit a project plan.

Speaking after inaugurating the event, Mr. Shekar said that wetland sports and games would get their due. Volleyball, tug-of-war and “Nati vot” (wetland sprint) competitions in all categories were held.

Mr. Ranjan requested the Minister to allot grants in the budget to encourage wetland sports in Kodagu.

Amar Kumar Pande, Commissioner of Youth Services and Sports, endorsed the Minister’s view and lauded the organisers for keeping the folklore and rural sports alive in the district.

Napanda Ravi Kalappa, president of the Madikeri Taluk Panchayat, presided over the function.

Zilla panchayat member, Susheela Lokaiah, District Yuva Okkoota president Venkatesh, Nehru Yuva Kendra coordinator D’ Souza, C.B. Devaiah and Rajashekar from the Youth Hostels Association of India, Yuva Okkoota members Girish, Tatu Monappa and Saba were present.

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