BUDAA braces up for its first major challenge

The meet is the first activity taken up by the association, which was formed last month under the Karnataka Athletic Association. Even though teething troubles were very much apparent on the eve of the meet, hopes remain bright on the new body going on to achieve its goals.

“We got ourselves registered only on July 9. Things are slowly falling into place,” said former international Ashwini Nachappa, the BUDAA president. “We are just starting out. We want to conduct this meet well. We do have plenty of ideas to boost athletics activity in the district,” said Ashwini.

Chenraj Jain is the chairman of the new body while Ashwini heads a clutch of former athletes who have come together with the goal of improving the standard of the sport in the district. To prevent officials hanging on to their posts, BUDAA bye-law states that a person can have only one four-year term in office. “We want to have more competitions at the district and school levels. Also, coaching camps are a must before important competitions,” said Ashwini.

Also making its debut at this meet will be a group of 16 athletes from the Ashwini Sports Foundation in Coorg. “I am not expecting much, it will be their first competition,” said Ashwini.

MK Asha, another former athlete who is the BUDAA secretary, said she was happy with the support received from the Department of Youth Services and Sports, as well as the Jain Group of Institutions. “DYSS has contributed Rs two lakh while JGI too has come up with a similar amount.”