Pramesh S Jain
*Aim to make Karnataka one of the country’s leading sporting states.
*Direct recruitment in government jobs for medal-winning sportspersons.
*Steps underway to fill 72,000 posts; 2% reservation for sportspersons.
*Sports infrastructure to be developed to promote sports.
*Kanteerava Stadium to be upgraded at a cost of ₹5,000 crore.
*Government will provide all-round support to the sports sector: DCM.
The government has taken several significant measures to promote sports activities in the state,with the objective of making Karnataka one of the leading sporting states in the country,said Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports Dr.G.Parameshwara.
He was speaking today at a felicitation programme organised by the Karnataka State Basketball Association at the Karnataka Olympic Bhavan in Kanteerava Stadium to honour the junior and youth basketball teams that have achieved success in national championships.
He said that a 2% reservation had been provided in various recruitments in the state Police Department to create employment opportunities for sportspersons.
This has subsequently been increased to 3%. Several sportspersons have been recruited to the posts of PSI and constable.A system of direct recruitment of medal-winning sportspersons has also been introduced, he said.
The government is taking steps to fill 72,000 vacant posts, and sportspersons will also receive the benefit of 2% reservation in these recruitments.
Such an opportunity is not available in all states across the country.Karnataka is providing special encouragement and support to sportspersons,he said.
Incentives for sportspersons :
All sportspersons who participated in the Commonwealth Games were provided an incentive of ₹5 lakh each.
Steps will also be taken to provide ₹15 lakh in incentives to medal winners.
He noted that it was a matter of pride for the state that Shilpa from Mysuru participated in the Paralympics and won a bronze medal.
Government and sports organisations providing encouragement is only one part of the process.
Sportspersons must complement this support with dedication,hard work and commitment to their sport. With sincere effort,it is possible to excel in any field.The commitment of one sportsperson can inspire an entire team,he said.
Priority to sports infrastructure :
The government is developing the necessary infrastructure to promote sports in the state. Arrangements have also been made to send sportspersons abroad for advanced training.
The Union Government’s Khelo India programme is also providing a strong platform for sportspersons,he said.
A plan has been prepared to establish a Sports City on around 60 acres near Devanahalli.A comprehensive blueprint has been prepared to facilitate multiple sports within an integrated sports infrastructure.
The government is working towards making Karnataka one of the country’s leading sporting states,he said.
Special encouragement will be provided to sports in which the state is performing well. Karnataka has been performing strongly in basketball.
The state’s strength in sports is also reflected in swimming, where Karnataka has been national champions for the last 33 years,he said.
Kanteerava Stadium to be upgraded :
“As a sportsperson and as the Sports Minister, I have developed my own vision and roadmap for the development of sports in the state,”Dr.Parameshwara said.
A plan has been prepared to upgrade Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru,with comprehensive development proposed at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore,he said.
The government has allotted five acres of land for the development of basketball.Qatar constructed eight stadiums for the Basketball World Cup championship, all equipped with world-class infrastructure.
If similar modern infrastructure is developed in Karnataka, the state will be able to host national and international-level championships,he said.
Preparations for the Commonwealth Games :
The Commonwealth Games will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. If Kanteerava Stadium can be upgraded in time, there will be an opportunity to host some sporting events in Bengaluru.
This would help showcase Karnataka’s sporting capabilities to audiences across the country and internationally,he said.
The government’s objective is to establish Karnataka as one of the country’s leading sporting hubs by providing sportspersons with all necessary support,including quality training, infrastructure,reservation in employment and financial incentives.
He said that Govindaraj has been dedicating his time and efforts towards the development of sports in the state.
“Whenever he takes up a task, he will not be satisfied unless it is completed with sincerity and in its entirety. The growth of basketball in Karnataka is the result of Govindaraj’s years of continuous effort and hard work,” he said.
Measures have been taken to develop the necessary infrastructure, including indoor stadium facilities,to promote basketball.
He also said that Govindaraj had worked towards the development of sports infrastructure in the state after persuading Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to support the initiative during his tenure as Chief Minister.
The programme was attended by Dr.K.Govindaraju, President of the Karnataka Olympic Association and Member of the Legislative Council,M.N.Anucheth, Commissioner,Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports,and several others.
