M'lore can expect bonanza in State budget: Sports minister

Talking to media persons after holding a meeting with the officials along with MLA N Yogish Bhat, he said he has been convinced about the district’s need for an international-level stadium, synthetic track and a swimming pool.

“Since the Assembly session is going on, I cannot make any new announcements. But I can say that Mangalore can expect a bonanza in the forthcoming budget,” Shekhar said.
The minister was given a presentation on the Mangala Stadium Development Project where the consultants explained the plans for the renovated district stadium. According to the plan, the 28,000-seating capacity stadium will have “Olympic class infrastructure” in it.

“The back portion of the gallery will be used for constructing a commercial complex facing MG Road. One will get 2 lakh sq ft building area here. Once the renovated stadium is ready with synthetic track, morning walkers will not be allowed inside. For them, there will be a separate walking path outside,” the consultant explained.
MLA N Yogish Bhat appealed the minister to provide maximum sports facilities to Mangalore which is developing into a major sports city after Bangalore.
 “The minister should take initiative to complete the project within a year under PPP model,” he said.

Bhat appealed the minister to recognise and support the sports talents in the district who have not got sufficient recognition and assistance from the government.
“The sports talents should not be left in a situation where they should apply for awards,” he said.

He also said all local bodies should allot 2 per cent of their annual budget to sports, so that there would be no dearth of funds. The minister addressed the participants of a 12-day State-level training camp in athletics and volleyball being held at the indoor stadium.
Students from 20 sports hostels from different districts are taking part in the camp which will be concluded on March 5.
DH News Service