Jain promises Rs 1 crore to develop tennis court in Udupi

Udupi, No 30: Arjuna awardee Kabaddi queen Mamatha Poojary has urged the state government to develop more playgrounds in Udupi districts.

Speaking after participating in the launching ceremony of a three-day State-level High School Boys and Girls Tournament here on Saturday the skipper of world champion Kabaddi team said that it is the responsibility of the government to fulfill basic needs of young talents.

She also called upon the students of high school to contribute their maximum and excel in their chosen sports field.

Minister for Sports and Youth Services K. Abhayachandra Jain said the government would sanction Rs 1 crore for developing a tennis court at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium. A swimming pool was already coming up near the Indoor Stadium, he said.

Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes said he had sanctioned Rs 1.31 crore from his MP Local Area Development Fund for various works at the District Stadium.

Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar said he would sanction Rs. 50 lakh to expand the Government Girls PU College.

Around 2,500 high school students from different parts of the State are participating in the tournament apart from about 1,000 referees, team managers and volunteers.

The sports torch was lit by Mamatha Poojary on Saturday. The tournament procession, which began from Rajangana area, passed through the main streets and culminated at the District Stadium. There was an attractive fireworks display at the stadium.