Mysuru: State Government will extend necessary co-operation and financial support for sports, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, here yesterday.

Speaking after inaugurating Dasara CM Cup Sports meet jointly organised by Department Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) and Dasara Sports Sub Committee at Chamundi Vihar Indoor Stadium, CM Siddaramaiah, who is also handling Ministry of Sports, said it was not possible for all participants to win medals, but participation and putting in efforts to win was most important.

Calling upon sportspersons to also prioritise education along with sports, Siddaramaiah added that gaining knowledge was as important as achieving great heights in sports.

CM Siddaramaiah also called upon the participants to derive inspiration from Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who was sharing the dais, to bring laurels to the country.

Earlier, addressing the gathering Political Secretary to CM and Karnataka Olympic Association President Dr. K. Govindaraju recalled the history of Dasara Sports which was started during the rule of Mysore Wadiyars and  continued even to this date.

Stating that State Government has opened up a lot of employment opportunities to the sportspersons of the State, Govindaraju said about 118 sportspersons were provided jobs in the Police Department through direct recruitment, apart from Chief Minister providing eligibility certificate to Olympic, Asian Games and Common Wealth Games medalists along with job guarantee.

“The government has also priortised the upgradation of sports hostels across the State as they are the foundation for talented sportspersons to reach their goals. The officials should work towards providing best of the facilities,” he added.

Appointment of coaches

The Chief Minister has also approved the appointment of 173 coaches for various sports disciplines apart from Finance Department giving its nod for recruitment of 28 officials to the sports department, said Govindaraju.

Harmanpreet Singh felicitated

The State Government felicitated Indian Men’s Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh, who led the team for bronze medal in the recently held Paris Olympics.

Speaking on the occasion, Harmanpreet Singh said discipline and dedication was important for sportspersons.

Harmanpreet also expressed his happiness over Karnataka Government extending support to sportspersons and providing necessary infrastructure.

The four-day sports meet will witness more than 3,000 sportspersons from Mysuru, Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kalaburagi and Belagavi Sub-Divisions taking part in 26 various events till Oct. 6 at Chamundi Vihar Indoor and   Outdoor stadiums.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MLA A.R. Krishnamurthy, MLC C.N. Manjegowda, DYES Secretary D. Randeep, Dasara Sports Sub Committee Deputy Special Officer V.K. Prasanna Kumar, Working President Dr. Jitendra Shetty, DYES Assistant Director Bhaskar Nayak and others were present.