Cultural programmes to add colour at Athletics Championship

The Port City—Mangaluru is all set to host 19th Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championship 2015 at Mangala Stadium.

To give an insight to the participating athletes and also general public on the rich cultural heritage of the country and Tulunadu, series of cultural programmes have been arranged under the guidance of Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva. 

As a part of the inaugural session, Prince Dance group from Orissa and students of Alva’s College will enthral the participants. On May 1— Prashanth dance Academy, Udupi and Hejje Naada team from Mangaluru stage a cultural programmes at 6.30 pm.  

On May 2—Bharagavi team (Udupi), Mallkamb (a team from Madhyapradesh), ALva’s students; May 3— Ocean kids, Mangaluru, Aryan Dance Studio, Mangaluru and students of Alva’s College; May 4—Nishan E Kalsa Gatak group from Punjab and students from Alva’s will entertain spectators as well as athletes.

Temporary flood lights have been arranged at the Mangala Stadium and at warm up ground. A sum of Rs 22 lakh will be utilised for installing temporaray flood lights. 

CCTV cameras

For safety of athletes and to keep a watch on the event, CCTV cameras have been installed at Mangala Stadium, Karavali exhibition grounds and Srinivas Mallya Indoor Stadium. A total of 37 cameras have been installed. This includes 17 at Mangala stadium and 12 at indoor stadium. CCTV camera footages will be monitored at office of Youth Empowerment and Sports Deputy Director and at the indoor stadium.  

Pan–tilt–zoom cameras have been installed at three locations inside the stadium.  Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Deputy Director Panduranga Gowda said “the safety of athletes is our responsibility. To ensure that the athletes do not face any untoward incidents, CCTV cameras have been installed. A total of 4.50 lakh has been utilised for the purpose.” The organisers said for the first time, food is being served to the athletes and officials. Arrangements have already been made for the preparation of the food for four days. 

Stars at event

Though Ashwani Akkunji and Vikas Gowda are not taking part in Federation Cup Senior National Athletics Championship, the audience can look for the performances of  Poovamma, Tintu Luka, Meghana Shetty, Sahana Kumari, relay team led by Vishnu Sabu, Kundan Singh in pole vault and so on.

AFI Secretary General Valson said “Tintu Luka has good prospect as immediately after the Federation Cup she will be taking part in IAAF Diamond League at China on May 17.”