Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is committed to giving greater encouragement to sports at the school level, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Saturday after inaugurating the fifth Karnataka Mini Olympics at Kanteerava Stadium.
The event was organised by the Karnataka Olympic Association. Minister Shivalinge Gowda, Legislative Council member and association president K. Govindaraju, and actor “Nenapirali” Prem were present.
“Physical education teachers are needed in every school to identify children’s sporting ability and train them. In the coming days, we will focus on recruitment for these posts,” Shivakumar said.
He said there were complaints that sports activities were not getting enough attention at the PU level, and that this should not be allowed. “Sports activities must be given priority at the school and PU levels,” he said.
Recalling his own school days, Shivakumar said he was champion at the sports meet for three consecutive years in high school and received an honour from the then Governor. He said he was also at the forefront of sports activities in PUC, and advised students to pay attention to their studies along with sports.
“We have started Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas to bring out young talent. This is a good platform for talent in the 16 to 35 age group. We will provide Rs 10 lakh to each panchayat and ward for this. Make good use of it,” he said.
“Winning or losing in sports is not important; participation is. Every child has ability and every child is a champion. Those who lose will get a chance to win later. Never lose courage in life. Do not be proud when you win, and do not lose heart when you lose,” he told the young participants.
“There is no limit to the sky. Make proper use of the opportunity you get. Our youth have the strength to achieve anything. The future of the country lies in student youth, and the government is ready to give all kinds of help for this. All of you must do work that brings honour to Karnataka,” he said.
Those who keep a sporting spirit have grown into leaders in history, the Chief Minister said, adding that only the goal matters in a game. He said India won 85 medals at the Asian Games this time and most of the medallists came from rural levels. “The next 10 years are the most important in your life. Move ahead with dedication,” he said.
Earlier TBL coverage of the Games
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