Cash awards for athletes increased

Speaking after inaugurating the free sports coaching programme being organised by the Alva’s Education Trust at Vidyagiri here on Sunday, he said that earlier the government was distributing Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 to Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal winning athletes respectively. Athletes who are qualified to participate in International level events will be given a financial aid of Rs 50,000, he added.

He said that the government has accepted the recommendations of  the Vaidyanathan Commission Report which suggested more prominence to physical education in curriculum. Government is also planning to extend all benefits, which other teachers are receiving, to physical education teachers too, he added.

Alva’s Education Trust chairman Dr M Mohan Alva delivering the presidential address said that all athletes in the Alva’s Education Trust institutions will be brought under the group insurance coverage umbrella. Athletes can build secure future, only if they give emphasis to curriculum, he added.

Trust administrator Prof C N Madhyastha, assistant administrator N R Ballal, students welfare officer Deviprasad Shetty, physical education director Praveen Kumar were present.

DH News Service