Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Jun 12: New indoor stadiums will come up at Urwa and Emmekere in the next two years, said Abaychandra Jain, state minister for fisheries and youth services and sports, while presiding over review meeting at the DC's office here on Thursday June 12.
The minister also asked Parshwanath, deputy director of youth services and sports to lay a lawn at Mangala stadium and make arrangements for its maintenance.
Parshwanath briefed about Mangala Stadium and said the indoor stadium has shuttle court, basket ball court and multi gym. At this, some people demanded a separate volleyball court too.
Parshwanath further said that there are 50 students in the district sports residential school and they are given good food, track suits and medical facilities.
Abhaychandra Jain said that these residential primary schools will be upgraded to PUC which would encourage parents to put their children into sports.
Jain also praised Alva's College for providing good sports facilities for students, with free education to 600 students who excel in sports. "Considering all the colleges, the government has started work 28 acres of land for stadium at Moodbidri which includes indoor stadium, swimming pool, synthetic track, and gym," he said.
The minister also said that there are 90 coaches for sports but they were not getting sufficient salaries, but after discussions with the finance department, they have been given an increment of 20 percent. The government will also make experienced staff permanent. During the recruitment drive for the post of coaches, importance is given to sportspersons who have completed BPEd and MPEd, he said.
International Kabbadi player Uday Chowta explaining the plight of Kabbadi players said, "The government should give importance to and recognize Kabbadi along with several other games. Presently, Kabbadi is not recognized. The minister should make arrangements to set up a Kabbadi stadium. Currently, Kabbadi national matches are being played on synthetic grounds."
In response, the minister said, "We will provide support to Kabbadi, and also appoint coach. Due to financial constraints, it is difficult to build indoor stadium but site will be provided."
Jain's remark
In a remark that many felt did not befit a minister, Abhaychandra Jain, when urged to provide more support to sports for differently-abled children, outrightly rejected the request and said there are enough organizations supporting 'kullaru' (midgets) and 'kuntaru' (lame persons).
The request was put forward by Vasanth Shetty of Sanidhya who said that though differently-abled persons may not be good at learning, many of them were good at sports and needed support from the government.
Jain further said, "The government cannot provide grants for such causes, as recognized sports will get less importance."