CM to consider Vikas' request

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he will seriously consider the request for financial support made by Vikas Gowda at a meeting with the champion discus thrower on Tuesday.

Vikas, the Asian champion, met with the chief minister at his office along with his father Shive Gowda.

“We requested the chief minister to support Vikas as he brings glory to the country as well as the State on the international stage,” said Shive. “He said he will study our proposal and then take a decision. We are hopeful of getting support from the State.”

Karnataka government had supported Vikas in the build-up to the London Olympics but he is yet to receive half of the promised Rs one crore from the government. A fresh proposal that was submitted detailed the training expenses the discus thrower will incur in the run-up to the next Olympic Games in Rio.

Financial issues have been a sore point with the Gowdas, with promised support never coming from the Union Sports Ministry. “Vikas has been an inspiring figure, a motivating figure for the youngsters. It is important that he gets support from the government,” said Shive.

Vikas said he hoped for the best. “If it comes through, it will take a lot of pressure off us,” said the 30-year-old, who was later felicitated by the athletes and coaches at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

“I will go back and start my rehabilitation work soon,” said Vikas on his future plans. “First priority is to get healthy. I plan to start serious training by December.”