Sunil Lohan
Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Dr.G. Parameshwara congratulated athletes from Karnataka who have brought pride to the State while adding to the nation’s glory by winning medals at the 20th Asian Games being held in Aichi-Nagoya,Japan.
In a press statement issued in this regard, he recalled the encouragement being extended by the Karnataka Government to sporting achievers.
Congratulating four athletes from the State individually, he said their hard work and achievements serve as an example and inspiration to the youth.
He expressed great happiness over the achievement of Karnataka’s young talent Ayush Shetty,a member of the Indian men’s badminton team that won a bronze medal.
Having proved his ability on the international stage at a young age,Ayush should go on to achieve even greater success and bring more laurels to the country,he said.
He described the achievement of M.R.Poovamma,the proud Kannadiga who was part of the Indian team that won silver in the 4×400 metres mixed relay,as particularly special.
Her experience,discipline and commitment to sport, built over years of consistent performance in Indian athletics, are an inspiration to young athletes,he said.
The achievement of the Indian women’s cricket team in winning India’s first gold medal at the Asian Games is a moment of celebration for the entire country.
He extended special congratulations to Karnataka’s Shreyanka Patil,who was part of the victorious team.
The triumph of the Indian women’s cricket team is yet another example of the ability and confidence of women athletes,he said.
The achievement of Tilottama Sen,a member of the Indian team that won silver in the women’s 50-metre rifle shooting event,is another proud moment for Karnataka.
He praised her for winning an international medal in a sport that demands immense concentration,discipline and dedication.
Dr.Parameshwara said the achievements of Ayush Shetty,M.R.Poovamma,Shreyanka Patil and Tilottama Sen have inspired thousands of young athletes across Karnataka to pursue excellence.
They have once again shown that children from our State can perform at the highest global level when given the right opportunities and encouragement.
*He emphasised that it is extremely important for the Government to recognise the years of hard work behind sporting success and provide athletes with the support they need throughout their sporting journey.
Behind every medal lies years of hard work, sacrifice, discipline and continuous practice.
The support of families,guidance from coaches and encouragement received at different stages are also an integral part of such achievements.
Recognising that effort with appropriate honour and support is both the duty and responsibility of the Government,he said.
Karnataka has no shortage of sporting talent. It has repeatedly been proven that,with the right opportunities, quality coaching, strong infrastructure and necessary financial support,our children can succeed on any international platform.
Rather than recognising athletes only after they win medals,our Government is giving greater priority to identifying talent at an early stage and providing appropriate training and encouragement.
Our objective is to ensure that athletes have continuous access to good coaches,scientific training and the sporting facilities they require.
It is for this reason that Karnataka athletes participating in the Olympics,Commonwealth Games,Asian Games and Asian Para Games are being provided a special incentive of Rs.5 lakh each.Medal winners are further honoured with an additional cash award of Rs.15 lakh.
Young people who excel in sports must have the confidence and security to choose sport itself as a career.
Already,13 athletes who have won medals in international competitions have been appointed to Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’government posts through special recruitment.
Student-athletes should not be forced to choose between education and sport.Students participating in State and national-level sporting events have been granted 15% attendance exemption,while those participating in international-level competitions receive 25% attendance exemption.This enables them to pursue their education smoothly alongside their sporting ambitions.
Strong infrastructure is equally important for sporting excellence.In this direction,32 stadiums across the State are being developed at a cost of Rs.36 crore.
A decision has also been taken to systematically organise Dasara sports competitions from the taluk level, covering kabaddi,athletics and traditional rural sports,thereby creating more opportunities for rural talent.
Sporting opportunities should not be confined to urban areas.Talented children from rural regions and ordinary families must also receive equal opportunities.
The Sports Department is therefore working to identify talent from every corner of the State and provide them with proper training and platforms to compete.
The support system for athletes performing at the national and international levels is being further strengthened through incentives,financial assistance, training and employment opportunities.
Young people choosing sport as a career must have confidence and financial security.It is our responsibility to create an environment in which they can continue their sporting journey without uncertainty.
Greater emphasis is being placed on strengthening the State’s sporting infrastructure, identifying and nurturing talent, and preparing young athletes for national and international competitions.
Our goal is to make Karnataka one of the country’s leading States in sports as well.
He once again extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ayush Shetty,M.R.Poovamma,Shreyanka Patil and Tilottama Sen.
“Your achievements have made Kannadigas proud.May your sporting journeys ahead bring even greater success.The State Government will always stand behind you and provide the necessary support and encouragement,”he said.
With the Asian Games set to continue for a few more days,Dr.Parameshwara wished that many more athletes from India and Karnataka participating across various disciplines would win medals and further enhance the pride of both the country and the State.
