Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday presented Ekalavya awards-2014 to 15 outstanding sportspersons from the State in recognition of their contribution to sports.
At a glittering event organised at the Senate Bhavan by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports here, Mr. Siddaramaiah also gave away Lifetime Achievement awards to four persons in recognition of their contribution to their sporting fields and Karnataka Ratna awards to 10 sporting talents. On the occasion, 41 sportspersons received financial assistance under Sports Excellency category.
Speaking after presenting the awards, Mr. Siddaramaiah said his government had been encouraging sporting talent from the State and added that steps had been taken to strengthen the sports infrastructure. He claimed that Karnataka was the first State to give financial assistance to sportspersons for achieving excellence by way of necessary training and procuring essential gear.
While promising to release more funds, the Chief Minister said steps had been taken to establish advanced sporting infrastructure such as astroturf for promoting hockey, and synthetic track for athletics. Those who bring medals from mega sports events such as the Olympics and Asian Games are the proud sons and daughters of this country, he said, drawing a round of applause from the audience comprising sportspersons and sports enthusiasts. The Chief Minister also promised to provide land in Mysuru from the MUDA for establishing more stadiums.
Minister in-charge of Mysuru V. Sreenivas Prasad released Sadhana Sanchike on the occasion.
Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fisheries K. Abhayachandra Jain, Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa, Mysuru ZP president Nayeema Sultana, Sports Authority of Karnataka vice-president P.M. Somashekar and others were present. MLA Vasu presided.
