Karnataka will train 75 sportspersons for next Olympics, says CM Bommai

BENGALURU: The state plans to train 75 sportspersons as part of the Amrit Mahotsav and prepare them to win medals in the next Olympics, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Saturday.

Speaking after inaugurating the 61st National Athletics Championship 2022 here, he said Karnataka has been promoting sports. This year, a rural sports meet was held at the village, taluk, district and state levels to promote kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, wrestling, Kambala and other such events, to encourage rural sportspersons.

Sportspersons representing the country at international meets have the support of the entire nation. Hence, sports are a great unifier. With a view to promote sports, a massive centre of excellence is coming up near Bengaluru where sportspersons will be given all necessary facilities and training, he noted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid emphasis on sports and launched various initiatives like Khelo India, Fit India, Jeeto India, TOPS, etc. He has personally encouraged sportspersons taking part in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games an Asian Games. As a result, India won the highest number of medals at the recent Tokyo Olympics. Under his leadership, the country is expected to win more medals in the next Paris Olympics, the CM said.

Stressing on the importance of sports, Basavaraj Bommai said children who get into sports right from their school days go on to become national-level sportspersons. Regular practice, hard work, dedication and discipline are important as they shape the character of a person. Sports also inculcate a competitive and team spirit and confidence, he noted.

Highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of Bengaluru, he wished the participants a pleasurable stay during the championship in the city.