Sports Department to retain Yemmekere swimming pool under its control: Sports Minister

Sports Department to retain Yemmekere swimming pool under its control: Sports Minister

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 14, 2024: On Saturday, the Minister for Sports and Youth Empowerment, B. Nagendra, asserted that the Yemmekere international-level swimming pool in Mangaluru, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs.25 crore by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd. on two acres of reclaimed Yemmekere land provided by the Mangaluru City Corporation, will not be handed over to any other department or agency. Mr. Nagendra emphasized that the department has made a decision to retain control over all its assets throughout Karnataka.

Addressing reporters, the Minister disclosed that the Mangaluru City Corporation, in a recent ordinary meeting, passed a resolution urging the government to transfer ownership of the pool to the civic body for more effective maintenance. However, Mr. Nagendra reiterated the department’s commitment to maintaining control over the swimming pool.

Furthermore, the Minister shared the department’s plan to promote athletics in Dakshina Kannada district, aligning with the policy of one district-one sport. This approach will be implemented across all 31 districts, and discussions with relevant officials have already taken place to arrange the necessary infrastructure, including a stadium, for the development of athletics in Dakshina Kannada.

Mr. Nagendra acknowledged the department’s limitation in developing a cricket stadium and related facilities, clarifying that cricket falls outside the Sports Department’s jurisdiction. Nevertheless, he indicated that a proposal to bring cricket under the department’s purview would be submitted to the Board of Control of Cricket in India in the near future.

The event saw the presence of MLC and District Congress president K. Harish Kumar, former MLC Ivan D’Souza and other dignitaries.