Karnataka - Bijapur   

Bijapur to have a velodrome soon

Bijapur: With the Government deciding to establish a velodrome in Bijapur, the long-pending dream of cyclists and sportspersons in the region has come true. The move is expected to boost the morale of cyclists in the region and encourage them to attain greater heights.

Though Bijapur and Bagalkot districts have ample number of cyclists who have brought laurels to the State in national and international competitions, they do not have a proper place to practice cycling and are depending on national highways to improve their skills.

Sources in the Sports and Youth Services Department told The Hindu that in 2001 eminent sportspersons and coaches C.M. Kurni and Padtare submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner urging the official to establish a velodrome in Bijapur to provide a proper platform for cyclists in the region. The project was approved by the State Government on 31 June, 2003.

The district administration was told to acquire eight acres of land for the purpose and Rs. 3.5 crore was allocated for the project.

However, a committee of higher officials decided to establish the velodrome in Bangalore. Local elected representatives and sportspersons were disappointed over the move to shift the project to Bangalore, the sources said. Sportspersons and the public staged agitations and requested the authorities concerned not to shift the project from Bijapur.

Following sustained efforts by all concerned and elected representatives, Sports Minister G. Shekhar has instructed officials to establish the velodrome in Bijapur.

“The department will start work on the project according to the guidelines of the higher officials. The project will fulfil the longstanding demand of cyclists in the region. It will provide more opportunities for them to bring laurels to the State at national and international competitions,” the sources added.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Bijapur to have a velodrome soon
‘Alamatti chalo’

Copyright © 2009, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu