Dharwad: The stage is set for holding the third edition of State Olympic meet- 2017, in Dharwad and Hubballi from February 3 to 10. The event is being held after a gap of almost eight years.
This meet, the first ever mega event to be held in Dharwad, will witness participation of more than 4,500 athletes and over 1,000 referees, nodal officials and technical assistants.
Along with the R N Shetty stadium, the sporting events would be held in 22 other venues in the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad.
The football matches would be played at the KCD grounds and new goal posts are being erected here. This apart, seating arrangements for the sports lovers and pavilion too has been set up here.
The food facility for all the athletes and the officials is being made in the premises of DIET. A huge pendal has already been erected here and seating arrangements for over 1,000 athletes to have their meals has been made.
Sports materials
Sports materials from Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru have arrived and these materials are being arranged in a systematic way. The Sports & Youth Empowerment Department has roped in services of other departments and sports clubs to arrange the sports materials.
Pole vault, beds, sports material for handball, nets, volleyballs, basketballs and footballs too have been procured.
The boxing ring too has been set up at the R N Shetty Stadium. The heavy-weight lifting materials are expected to arrive on Thursday, and Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru is looking after the arrangements.
The cycling event will be held from Gabbur Cross in Hubballi and would move through the bypass. The men’s cycling will be held for 60 kms while it is 40 kms for women.
Inauguration
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the event at 5 pm in R N Shetty stadium in presence of his ministerial colleagues. MLA Aravind Bellad will preside over.
Procession
Prior to the inauguration, a mega procession involving artistes, sportspersons and students will be taken out from Kadapa Maidan to the stadium at 2.30pm.
After the inaugural stage programme, “Janapada Jatre”, a display of arts and cultural heritage by the cultural troupes from across the state will be held.
