The Corporation Stadium and V.K.N. Menon Indoor Stadium in the city, renovated at a cost of Rs. 15 crore for the National Games, will be utilised for sports training after the events, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.
He was speaking after inaugurating the renovated stadiums here on Thursday.
He said the government was willing to provide the maintenance cost when the stadiums were utilised for training programmes. He called upon the people to cooperate with the organisers of the Games. The Run Kerala Run programme showed the enthusiasm of youngsters in the sports sector, Mr. Chandy added.
Minister for Cooperation C.N. Balakrishnan presided over the function.
Therambil Ramakrishnan, MLA, unveiled a painting of V.K.N. Menon at the indoor stadium. Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was the chief guest. Mayor Rajan Pallan released the festival brochure.
Special arrangements would be made to monitor the maintenance of the renovated stadiums, Mr. Radhakrishnan said. “Lack of stadiums with facilities was a drawback for sportspersons from the State. Now we have arranged state-of-the-art facilities here. The stadiums will be opened for sports persons after the Games,” the Sports Minister added.
A meeting convened by the Chief Minister reviewed the final round of arrangements for the Games.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Radhakrishan and Mr. Balakrishnan.
Various sports events such as women’s football, judo, shooting, weightlifting and boxing will be held in the city from January 31.
While boxing will be held at T.S.G.A. Stadium, Thriprayar, shooting will be held at Kerala Police Academy, Ramavarmapuram. Judo and weightlifting events will be held at the V.K.N. Menon Indoor Stadium and women’s football at the Corporation Stadium.
The shooting range at the Kerala Police Academy will be inaugurated on January 27.
