Govt Sports Policy in January

Current and former sportspersons felicitated by Olympic Association

Minister for Youth Services and Sports Appachu Ranjan on Thursday said its ambitious Sports Policy would be implemented in January.

“We’ve been working on it for a while now and are ready with the final plan,” said Ranjan on the sidelines of the Karnataka Olympic Association’s annual awards function here at the Raj Bhavan.

“Countries like United States and China have excelled in the field of sports only because of a strong system. We are working on those lines and are ready to implement the Sports Policy in January 2013.

I am confident a lot of athletes, especially those from the smaller districts, will benefit from it and the State is able to churn out champions in various disciplines consistently in the coming years. The Sports Policy will definitely motivate aspiring athletes,” added Ranjan.

The Sports Minister also reminded the gathering that the ‘Kreeda Sanjeevini’ -- an insurance policy for sports persons -- is still in place and 10,000 athletes can avail the facility wherein they can undergo medical rehabilitation at any hospital upto Rs 3 lakh.

Apart from stating that he would look at increasing job reservations for sports persons, Ranjan also said he would urge the government to allocate 2 per cent of next year’s budget for sports.

Meanwhile, KOA president K Govindraj once again requested the government to implement sports cess in the next budget that would go a long way in promoting sports in the State.

“This is the fourth year in succession I’m requesting the government to implement sports cess. Also, I would like to remind the sports minister that despite our excellence in swimming, we still do not have a world class pool. We still do not have a cycling velodrome too. It’s high time we have those.

“I also urge the government to give us support so that the State Olympic Games is conducted at least once every two years. It will provide a wonderful platform for district level athletes,” added Govindraj.

Apart from honouring 16 current athletes, five veterans and two media professionals, the KOA also awarded Rs 25,000 cash prize for teenage wrestler Prema Huchanavar. The association also announced that they would grant scholarships for ten athletes next year.