Date:04/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/04/stories/2009010458100300.htm

Karnataka - Hassan

New stadium to come up in Hassan at a cost of Rs. 1 crore

Staff Correspondent

State-level rural sports meet on January 16, 17

100 children from State to participate in Yuva Janotsava to be held in Punjab from January 11
State Olympics to be conducted in Bellary and Raichur districts in February

Hassan: Hassan stadium would be developed and a new stadium would be constructed in Hassan district at a cost of Rs. 1 crore, said Goolihatti D. Shekar, the State minister for Textiles and Youth Services and Sports. He was speaking to presspersons here on Saturday.

Mr. Shekar also said that the Government proposes to build commercial complexes on the outer ring of the stadiums that are located in the heart of town/city throughout the State so that revenue can be generated for maintaining the stadium complex and part of the rent earned by way of letting out the commercial complex could be used for paying an honorarium to former sportspersons.

The state-level rural sports meet for primary and high school children in Hassan will be conducted on January 16 and 17, he said.

The Government will continue with sports quota of 5 per cent in employment and higher education. All vacant posts of coaches would be filled up and their salaries would be enhanced. Sports schools would be developed for which additional grants would be given.

Mr. Sekhar said last year Rs. 43 crore was allotted for the Department of Youth Services and Sports, which was meagre.

A proposal had been sent to the Chief Minister to grant additional Rs. 150 crore. A sum of Rs. 3 crore has been released for conducting the State Olympics in Bellary and Raichur during February, he said.

About 100 children from the State will take part in the National Yuva Janotsava that will commence in Punjab from January 11.