Karnataka unveils first-ever sports policy

The state government on Sunday announced its first-ever sports policy for Karnataka - ahead of Assembly elections.

Giving details of the policy at a press meet here on Sunday, Sports and Youth Empowerment Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said that the policy lays emphasis on nurturing sportspersons who can excel at national and international levels.

"The Cabinet gave its approval for the policy on March 8. The policy will come into force immediately. Separate funds will be earmarked in the next budget for implementing the policy," the minister said.

The policy proposes at least one "active and well-endowed" community sports centre in all the towns. Every district centre will have one multi-sports coaching centre, swimming pool of Olympic standards with trained coaches.

Centres of Sporting Excellence offering world-class training facilities will be set up in the state. The policy also talks of setting up sports college/university offering courses on management of professional sports.

Pension scheme will be extended to all past national sportspersons who have an annual income below a particular threshold. The amount of pension shall be reviewed every two years.

The minister said that sports will be promoted as a tool to raise the confidence and self-esteem of differently abled. Services of qualified coaches and the supporting staff with requisite knowledge of each category of sport will be made available, he said.