Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna said the State Government has accorded priority to developing sports infrastructure in Kodagu to provide better opportunities for sporting talent in the district.
Speaking at a programme held in Ponnampet, Ponnanna said a proposal for ?30 crore had been prepared in the State Budget for construction of a sports centre, and an assurance had been received for a grant of Rs10 crore during the current financial year. Although the foundation-laying ceremony had been postponed due to the monsoon, the work was continuing without interruption, he said.
Construction of a basketball court at the Virajpet First Grade College campus has been completed. A tender has also been floated for works costing more than Rs1 crore to develop the facility into an indoor stadium, he said. Necessary funds were also being provided for various sports projects across the district.
Although Kodagu has long been known for its sporting talent, there has been a decline in the number of athletes representing the district at the international level in recent years. Ponnanna said his objective was to address the shortage of infrastructure and scientific training facilities and create conditions for international-level athletes to emerge from Kodagu in the future.
He directed officials to commence work on the Ponnampet sports turf from September 28 and complete it at the earliest without disrupting the ongoing hockey league.
The turf is being developed with the objective of hosting the 2027 Hockey Festival at the same ground. Plans are also being considered to construct a permanent gallery beside the ground, Ponnanna said.
Vice-President of the Karnataka State Sports Authority Cheppudira Arun Machaiah, Miderira Naveen, Asha Poonacha, Ajjikuttira Hockey Academy president Ajjikuttira Naren S. Karyappa, Olympian Baleyada Subramanya, CheppudiraPoonacha, members of the Ajjikuttira family, senior members MukaleraKushalappa and Vasu Kuttappa, and Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Assistant Director V.T. Vismayi, among others, were present.
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