Mandya: Mandya MLA M. Srinivas said that Mandya needed Rs. 40 crore for comprehensive development of sports sector and promotion of sports.

He was speaking after inaugurating National Sports Day celebration marking the birthday of Maj. Dhyanchand, organised by Mandya District Administration, Zilla Panchayat (ZP), Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Krishik Lions Club and Government First Grade College for women, at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Stadium here on Sunday.

Stressing on the need for promoting sports, Srinivas said that the country should have more sporting facilities of international standards so that talented sports persons can excel at                                   international events. 

Contending that there is a lot of sporting talent in rural areas which needs to be unearthed at an early stage, the MLA said that there should be some level of sports facilities in villages too, as it will help in discovering talent.

Observing that the Rs. 10 crore grant announced by Sports Minister K.C. Narayanagowda, who is also the District Minister, is not enough, Srinivas reiterated that the district needed Rs. 40 crore, a proposal for which has been sent to the Government for approval. 

Basketball players of the district A.V. Srinivasgowda and M.K. Yashaswini, Kabaddi players K.S. Kausalya and Venkatesh, Swimmer Ashika Ramachandra, Javelin Thrower Sabbanahalli Shivakumar and Wrestler K.M. Poorvigowda were felicitated on the occasion.

DYES Assistant Director R. Anitha, DDPI Javaregowda, Krishik Lions Club Secretary Mohankumar, Lion Shashidhar Echagere, Government First Grade College for Women NSS Programme Officer Dr. Kempamma, Prathibhanjali David, K.T. Hanumanthu, Neena Patel and others were present.