Sports festival lays foundation for sporting revolution in Kalaburagi: Priyank Kharge

Home Minister Priyank Kharge addressing the gathering during the valedictory ceremony of the Kalaburagi Sports Festival at S.M. Pandit Ranga Mandir auditorium in Kalaburagi on Saturday.

Home Minister and Kalaburagi district in charge Priyank Kharge said that Kalaburagi has no dearth of sporting talent, but young athletes need opportunities and the right platform to showcase their abilities. By creating such opportunities, the government has laid the foundation for a sporting revolution in the district, he said.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the ‘Kalaburagi Sports Festival’, organised by the district administration in association with Kalaburagi Next Foundation and Spenzo, at S.M. Pandit Ranga Mandir Auditorium here on Saturday, Mr. Kharge said that sporting talent was emerging from rural areas, but many talented youngsters lacked access to proper facilities and platforms.

The initiative aimed at identifying such talent and provide sustained encouragement to aspiring sportspersons, he said.

Describing the event as the first-of-its-kind in the State, Mr. Kharge said participants had gained more than just prizes, as the event had provided them an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and build confidence.

The Minister said that the State government and district administration would take necessary steps to ensure that similar opportunities were made available to sportspersons in the coming years. The government was also considering dedicating one month every year to the sports festival to facilitate regular training and participation in competitions.

Highlighting the infrastructure initiatives, he said that the renovation of the district stadium was under way at an estimated cost of ₹50 crore. Community sports stadiums had also been established at various locations, he added.

Mr. Kharge said that the conclusion of the sports festival should not be seen as the end of an event but as the beginning of a sustained effort to promote sports in the district. The government would extend the necessary support to help local athletes excel at the State, national and international levels, he reiterated.

MLC Tippannappa Kamaknoor said that Kalaburagi had not witnessed a sports festival of this scale before. He appreciated Mr. Kharge for providing a platform for nearly 2,000 students to showcase the sporting abilities of young athletes.

MLA Allamaprabhu Patil also spoke on the occasion. More than 2,000 athletes participated in nine sporting events. Mr. Kharge presented the medals, trophies and certificates to the winners.