International standard swimming pool in Mangalore:Appachu Ranjan

Minister for Youth Services and Sports Appachu Ranjan said that a swimming pool of international standard will be developed in Mangalore, at an estimated cost of Rs three crore.

Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, he said the funds will be mobilised for the swimming pool.

To a query, Assembly Deputy Speaker Yogish Bhat said that land has been identified near Vanithavana for setting up of swimming pool.

The Minister said that shopping complex will be set up in sports complexes, whereever it was possible in the State.

The shopping complex will be set up in such a manner as it will not allow an individual to enter the stadium.

The revenue fetched from the shopping complex will be used for the development of the stadium. Chintamani stadium in Kolar has a shopping complex in it.

The State government is planning to set up a ‘Youth empowerment Corporation’ in the name of Swami Vivekananda. The Corporation will take up various activities related to the development of the youth.

Stating that he will tour all the districts of the State by month-end, he said that every district should have a full-fledged stadium with all the facilities in it.

Sports policy

The Minister said that the State government is planning to introduce a sports policy shortly. The policy will help in identifying and supporting the rural sports. The winners of Arjun, Khel Rathna and Ekalavya awards will be invited to provide a suggestion for the policy. All the districts should have sports hostel.

The government has already decided to include sports hostel for the children studying in fifth to tenth standard and is also planning to extend it to the college -level.

“For the youth policy, we have collected suggestions from 10,000 youth. The policy aims at inculcating the spirit of patriotism and empowering the youth.”

He said that reservation will be provided to sports persons who have taken part in national and international level in employment.

“The government is also planning to provide concession for those sports persons who have taken part in national and international-level and are facing attendance shortage to write examination.”

Yogish Bhat said that ‘Garadi Mane’ where wrestlers practice should be provided with mat facility. Normally, the wrestlers practice in mud.

However, when they have to compete in the international-level, mat facility is essential. Kabaddi courts are essential in the district to support the game. There are no exclusive courts for Kabaddi in the district, he added.

Deputy Commissioner Dr N S Channappa Gowda, CEO Dr K N Vijayaprakash, ZP Vice President Dhanalakshmi Janardhan, and MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik were present.