Mangaluru: The Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the Doping Test Centre at Mangala Stadium, Tuesday April 28.
Addressing the gathering, Rai said, “The National level Senior Athletics Federation Cup is around the corner, and the government has made sure, that the infrastructure at Mangala Stadium is upgraded.”
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that he will be releasing Rs1 crore for the upgrading, out of which 50 lakhs have been already received, moreover the Environment Department as well will be sanctioning Rs 10 lacs to the sports department”, informed Rai.
With regards to the National Level 19th Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championship Minister for Youth Services and Fisheries Abhaychandra Jain said that it is a dream come true. He further said, “The Championship will take place over four days and around 34 athletes will take part from Karnataka”. Mentioning the facilities, Jain said that the toilets are repaired, an extra borewell is dug up for water supply, the lawn inside the stadium is repaired, and the ground is all set for the athletes to light up the stadium with their exploits.
“This event is important as national athletes will get a chance to qualify for the 21st Asian Athletics Championships 2015 to be held in June at Wuhan, China, Beijing and for the Rio Olympics.” he added.
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim assured that every little detail is been taken intoconsideration. He said, “We are expecting more than 25,000 spectators as it is a free entry. When asked about the unlikely weather, the DC said, “If it rains we will halt the games for some time and resume”.
Dakshina Kannada district Athletics Association president Manjunath Bhandary, Director for Youth Empowerment and Sports Department Bengaluru, H S Venkatesh also spoke about the arrangements and the details of the event. On this occasion SCDCC Bank Chairman Dr M N Rajendra donated Rs 5 lacs to minister Abhaychandra Jain.
MLC Ivan D’Souza, Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.
The inauguration
On the day of inauguration, cultural programmes will be held. “The event will be an extravaganza, to be cherished, not only by the athletes, but also to be participated in by the people of the region”, said Jain adding that the cultural event will continue for two hours.