The Hindu : Sport : Kerala welcomes IOA decision

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Saturday, Oct 11, 2008
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Kerala welcomes IOA decision

THIRUVANATHAPURAM: A jubilant Kerala on Friday welcomed the Indian Olympic Association’s decision to allot the 35th National Games to the State.

Reacting to the decision at a hurriedly convened press conference here on Friday evening, the Sports Minister M. Vijayakumar said: “It is my pleasure to welcome the IOA’s decision on behalf of the State Government and the people of the State. It is a momentous decision which would help Kerala sports to break new barriers.”

The minister said that a draft agreement, to be signed between the State Government and the IOA, was expected to reach Thiruvananthapuram within the next two days.

“Once we go through it the agreement will be signed at a mutually convenient date after October 18 when the Commonwealth Youth Games, now on in Pune, is scheduled to conclude,” he said.

Mr. Vijayakumar said that the State stood to benefit in terms of sports infrastructure and training and competitive facilities for the future now that the games are assured to be held in the State.

Recalling, the conduct of the 1987 National Games in Kerala, the Minister said that the State was able to conduct the games as scheduled and the government would strive hard to hold the games in late 2010 after consultations with the IOA.

He said like in 1987, Thiruvananthapuram will be the main venue of the proposed games. There are proposals to hold a few events each in at least two other cities.

Hinting at the possibility of Kochi and Kozhikode as the other venues, the government has already constituted a high power committee with the chief secretary as its chairman to finalise the agreement with the IOA and to draw up a detailed budget and the infrastructure to be built in the State in connection with the games.

The Kerala State Sports Council president T.P. Dasan too hailed the IOA decision. “The conduct of the 35th National Games after a period of 35 years is certain to take Kerala further forward in the field of sports and games.”

Besides the minister, the media briefing was also attended by the director of sports and youth affairs, G. Kishore.

Tornquist takes charge

Paul Tornquist of Canada has taken charge as the director of Tennis at the Trivandrum Tennis Club (TTC) from Thursday.

The 36-year-old’s appointment will give an impetus to the TTC’s training programme. Tornquist, who has had coaching stints at the American Club (Singapore), Evert-Segusso Basset Tennis Academy, Rick Macci’s Academy and Harbour Ridge Country Club, has signed a two-year contract with the TTC. Tornquist will be assisted by three local coaches — Biju Mani, Chandu and Abhilash. TTC has about 150 trainees in its coaching programme and will pay an annual remuneration of Rs. 12 lakhs to the coach. The Kerala Government and the Kerala State Sports Council have in principle agreed to bear half of the expense.

Water Sports Academy inaugurated

The Kerala Sports Minister M. Vijayakumar inaugurated the Water Sports Academy at the Vellayani lake here on Friday. The academy is being set up by Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC) at the cost of Rs 30 lakhs. Training will be given in canoeing, kayaking and rowing at the academy. The KSSC has brought 35 new fibre boats for the academy. About 30 trainees will undergo coaching at the academy.

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