Government funds for traditional gyms in State

The State government is planning to give thrust to ‘garadi mane’ (traditional gyms) in a bid to conserve the art of wrestling being practised at these centres, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports K Abhayachandra Jain announced in Bangalore on Friday.

Speaking to reporters, Jain said the government will provide grants to the tune of Rs five lakh each to 125 such gyms in the State. ‘Garadi mane’ serves as a place to imbibe the spirit of community participation and help in cementing the bond between traditional art and the local population, he said.

‘Garadi mane’ is especially prevalent in North Karnataka. Jain said the process of appointing 70 coaches for various sports will begin once the Finance Department gives its clearance. There was also a proposal to provide specialised training to the coaches by sending them abroad.

Salaries of contract coaches, who draw between Rs 12,000 and Rs 28,000 per month, have been hiked by 20 per cent.

Jain said ace Indian discus thrower Vikas Gowda had sought assistance of Rs two crore from the government for training in the United States. The government had initially provided him Rs four lakh.

Replying to queries, Jain said he was ready to resign as minister if the party asks him to do so, following its debacle in his home district of Udupi in the Lok Sabha polls.