KOA honours State sports achievers and Asiad medallists - Day of remembrance

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Nov 27, 2014:  Lauding  achievements and contributions in sports, the Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala presented this year’s Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) Awards to athletes of current and past generations at the Raj Bhavan here on November 26, Wednesday.

The Governor said that athletes and sportspersons must compete in true spirit and follow the ethics involved in sports. An honest sportsman is the pride of the nation. The evening that also witnessed Asian Games medalists and veteran media personalities being honoured.  Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Sports Minister Abhaychandra Jain were the other dignitaries present at the function.

The KOA President K Govindraj thanked the Chief Minister for passing the order for the construction of Karnataka Olympic Bhavan. “It is indeed amatter of pride that Karnataka Olympic Bhavan will soon be a reality and athletes will be encouraged further with better facilities,” he said. The Bhavan is to come up in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium complex.

Govindraj also urged the government to enhance the prize money for athletes in the coming years and spoke of the need to organise State Olympic  Games. “The State Olympic Games, which was organised every two years, since its inception has not been conducted from the past four years. I request the government to provide complete support in conducting the games as it provides excellent platform to athletes to showcase their talent,” he said.

Barring MR Poovamma, all the other Asiad heroes made it to the awards ceremony. The star cast included shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa, the hockey trio of VR Raghunath, SV Sunil and Nikkin Thimmaiah, kabaddi players Shri Rajguru and Sushmitha Pawar and shooter Prakash Nanjappa. They received a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with mementos and citations. The current athletes took home Rs 50,000 and veterans were given Rs 10,000.

“It is very motivating when the State supports athletes for their achievements and it will encourage upcoming sporting enthusiasts to perform better,” said Vikas, who received 15 lakhs from the Government and 2.5 lakhs from KOA, for his overall achievements.   “It is indeed a great honour and I am looking forward to give my best in the upcoming tournaments,” said Ashwini who clinched a bronze in the team event at the Asiad.