Central aid to upgrade Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre
Sports Minister Rijiju makes offer after joining Bengaluru South MP Surya in mini-triathlon
BENGALURU:
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju has assured Central assistance for upgrading the city’s iconic Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre, which is located in MP Tejasvi Surya’s Bengaluru South constituency.
The Union Minister made the announcement at the end of a ‘Fit Bengaluru for Fit India’ mini-triathlon on Monday. The two public representatives took part in the event alongside a large number of participants.
“We had an exciting moment at BAC. I want to develop this swimming pool and take it to a new standard, because it has produced top swimmers of our country. I want to ensure that the facilities here are of world standard,” Rijiju said on the sidelines of the event.
Cradle of Olympians
Thanking the Union Sports Minister for his offer, Surya said, “The BAC has produced the highest number of Olympic and international swimmers for India. We’re upgrading it to a world-class centre of excellence for water sports. I’m thankful to the Sports Minister for committing adequate grants for the purpose. It will definitely give youth a better sporting infrastructure in the heart of Bengaluru and also allow our swimmers to train in a state-of-the-art environment.”
Earlier, the mini-triathlon organised by Surya began at 7:30 am at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens with a 3-km run inside Lalbagh, followed by cycling towards Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre for 1.5 km and a swimming leg alongside international swimmers.
The 1,000-plus participants included students of the National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan as well as fitness enthusiasts. Several students of Jain (Deemed) University along with Chancellor Chenraj Roychand took part in the triathlon.
Addressing the gathering, Surya said the 2nd edition of the Khelo India University Games 2021 would be hosted in Bengaluru by Jain (Deemed) University. The Union Minister appreciated the Bengaluru South MP’s efforts in promoting fitness among the public.
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