Mangaluru: CM Siddaramaiah announces grace marks for athletes competing at national and international levels

Mangaluru: CM Siddaramaiah announces grace marks for athletes competing at national and international levels

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 18, 2025: At the inauguration of the state-level sports meet at Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that students participating in national and international sports competitions would receive grace marks in academics.

The CM reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting sports with ample financial aid and infrastructural development. “Ask for any amount of funds and facilities; I will provide them. In return, athletes should deliver results in the form of medals,” he declared.

He applauded the participation of 5,000 athletes in the recently held Mini Olympics and expressed joy over the attendance of 4,500 athletes at the state-level meet.

A grand inauguration

The event began on an energetic note with a stunning light show, fireworks, and the ceremonial passing of the sports torch. CM Siddaramaiah administered the athletes’ oath, while the program featured a parade by sports teams and captivating cultural performances by artistic troupes.

Boost for medalists

The Chief Minister announced significant increases in cash prizes for medal-winning athletes. The reward for Olympic medalists has been raised from ₹5 crore to ₹6 crore, while Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medalists will now receive ₹50 lakh, double the previous amount of ₹25 lakh.

In a bid to encourage greater participation in sports, Siddaramaiah declared that 3% of jobs in uniformed services such as the police, forest, and excise departments would be reserved for athletes. Additionally, 2% of jobs in non-uniformed government departments will also be allocated to sportspersons.

Infrastructure development commitments

The Chief Minister pledged ₹3 crore each for the development of Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru and Ajjarakadu Ground in Udupi to bolster sports infrastructure and provide better facilities for athletes in the region.

Encouragement from leaders

Speaker U.T. Khader, who hoisted the sports flag, commended the initiative, calling it an inspiration for young athletes. District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the importance of sports in promoting physical and mental well-being among youth.

K. Govindaraj, President of the State Olympic Association, presented a proposal for additional sports development projects. Commissioner of the Sports Department, Chetan, welcomed the attendees, while Shankar Prakash hosted the event.