Bengaluru, 16 July

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that the government would be renovating the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru under a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) model to bring in international standard infrastructure.

Speaking to press, Parameshwara said that the expected costs for this would be around Rs 5,000 crore, and that officials were chalking up a plan. Once the proposal is finalised, Parameshwara said, he would seek the Cabinet’s approval.

This comes as he is looking to create facilities to required to host the Commonwealth Games and other international sporting events, such as the 2036 Olympics that India is bidding for. 

“We want an international infrastructure for conducting international events,” Parameshwara, who is also the Sports Minister, said. 

Highlighting that nearly 65 per cent of the population is below 35 years of age, Parameshwara said that fostering youth through sport is crucial. He said Dasara Sports Meets will also be organised in a systematic manner beginning at the taluk level, he said.

ATTENDANCE FOR SPORTS STUDENTS 

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said students participating in State and national-level events will receive a 15 per cent attendance relaxation and those attending international-level sports competitions will receive a 25 per cent attendance relaxation.

Parameshwara said that even if student sportspersons have only 50 per cent attendance, they should be allowed to appear for examinations, noting that many often miss classes when representing the State and country in competitions. 

"No student should be deprived of writing examinations because of sporting commitments. Accordingly, attendance relaxation has been extended to sportspersons excelling in 34 different sports disciplines," he said.

Further, sportspersons representing Karnataka in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Asian Para Games will receive a special incentive of Rs 5 lakh above the existing rewards to medal winners. Parameshwara clarified that this new incentive was for all participants, and not just winners. 

Recruitment for the 50 permanent coaching posts will be taken up shortly as the Finance Department has given clearance, Parameshwara added. 

Parameshwara said that recruitment is underway for 72,000 vacant posts across various State government departments. The State Cabinet has approved 2 per cent reservation for sportspersons in these, meaning around 2,000 posts will be available to sportspersons.