Can sports help Kerala fight drug abuse? CM announces major package to boost sports
Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday announced plans for a major package to boost sports in the state, saying the government would prioritise sports development and use it as a means to combat drug abuse among children.
Speaking after inaugurating the 68th State School Sports Meet at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode, Satheesan said the proposed measures would seek to protect children from the influence of narcotics while encouraging greater participation in sports.
He said the government would also ensure that students travelling outside the state to participate in competitions received travel allowances, dearness allowances and reimbursement of other expenses, regardless of the financial burden on the government.
"I have told the Education and Sports ministers to ensure that these expenses are paid. We know that many students borrow money or their parents run from pillar to post to arrange funds, and that situation must end. They represent the pride of the state when they go outside to compete in events. They should not face any kind of shortage of funds," he said.
The Chief Minister said athletes who won medals at international events were being given grand receptions at Thiruvananthapuram airport and cash prizes.
"This was not there earlier," he said.
Satheesan also reaffirmed the government's plan to build an international-standard football stadium in Kozhikode to serve the Malabar region.
New playgrounds, stadiums and facilities for sporting events would be developed in all districts with full government support, he added.
He said the initiatives were being planned with an eye on the 2036 Olympics.
The week-long State School Sports Meet is being held on the newly renovated synthetic track and ground at NIT Kozhikode, which has been upgraded to international standards.
The trophy procession from Thiruvananthapuram and the torch relay from Kasaragod converged at Kozhikode Beach on Sunday morning. They then passed through the city before reaching NIT Kozhikode, where the opening ceremony was held.