'Concerted policy can offer better opportunity to sportspersons'

A sports policy for the state is the need of the hour to providing better opportunities to sportspersons, said Ivan D’Souza, Government Chief Whip in Legislative Council.

At the inaugural programme of district-level swimming competitions organised as part of Karavali Utsava at Mangala Swimming Pool in Mangaluru on Sunday, Ivan said he has apprised the legislative assembly about the need for a swimming pool in the city.

He said a resolution would be moved towards construction of another swimming pool by the MCC in Mangaluru as there are plenty of children who are taking a liking for the sport. MCC swimming pool has been functioning for the past 35 years and has been offering an opportunity for learners at nominal prices.

He said a state-of-the-art swimming pool would come up in Emmekere at a cost of Rs 12 crore. He was optimistic about India winning international medals in swimming even in the Olympics.

International swimmer Vaishnav Hegde inaugurated the swimming competition and called upon parents to encourage their wards in whichever sport they are willing to take up. He said students too must get into sports only if they are really interested in it and not because their parents suggest that they take up sports.

Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Deputy Director Pradeep D’Souza said that eight categories of sporting events including swimming, kabaddi, basket ball, wrestling and judo would be conducted as part of ‘Khelo India’ and those who win the district-level events would be selected for the state-level.

Corporator Jayanti Achar presided over the programme. Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Assistant Director Lily Pais, Mangala Swimming Club president Pramukh Rai and Swimming Pool manager Ramesh were present at the function.

Around 300 participants took part in various categories including open, freestyle, back, breast and butterfly meant for boys and girls of different age groups.