Madikeri, Nov. 2: Cheppudira Arun Machayya, who has been appointed as the Vice President of the State Sports Authority, is already touring the state and consulting those concerned about the problems and solutions in the sports field locally.
Arun Machayya, who is recognized not only at the national but also international level as a karate master, has several ideas to revitalize the Sports Authority. Arun has exchanged information with ‘Shakti’ about this.
What are your programs after becoming the Vice President?
It has been 20 days since you took office. I have visited Hassan, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and held meetings with the leaders of the sports department locally. I feel that the financial problem has not increased because the Chief Minister is the President of the Authority. Thus, there is a thought that priority should be given to state-wide sports activities in the available grants.
What is the innovative thought?
I have already discussed one of my thoughts with Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, the Minister of the State's Social Welfare Department. Look, there are many hostels in the state belonging to the Social Welfare Department. But there are no sports hostels to bring out the talent of the students of the backward classes who come under the jurisdiction of the Social Welfare Department. In this regard, I have suggested that a separate residential education school or hostel be made open in all the districts of the state for sports-loving students of the backward classes. My thought has also pleased the Minister. This plan can be implemented by the next budget. This will provide a suitable platform for the emergence of sports talent among the students of the backward classes. In the 2026 annual budget, information has been given about the progress projects to be done by the Sports Authority and the implementation of the plan has been considered. I am going to go to all the districts of the state and collect information about the needs and problems there and report to the Chief Minister. I have thought of rejuvenating the authority through this.
Will the experience help in the rejuvenation of the authority?
It will definitely be helpful. Earlier, when H.D. Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister of the state, the state sports policy was formulated with my advice. This was of great benefit to the sports field, especially the recruitment of 800 physical education teachers in government schools and it was helpful for sports-loving students to participate in sports events. Based on my experience in karate, a special plan will also be formulated for the youth who are interested in karate.
Should indigenous sports be given importance?
The authority will promote indigenous sports in the state through innovative programs. Various rural sports including Mallakamba, Kabaddi, Kambala will be identified and athletes of such sports will be promoted through separate programs. The main objective of the authority will be to encourage indigenous sports. Yoga has also been recognized at the national level. However, yoga training is already being conducted by private institutions on a large scale. Consideration is being given to providing financial assistance to private yoga training centers that provide yoga training to students from backward classes. There is also an intention to give more encouragement to sports like shuttle badminton, which is quite popular.
Your help for the sports district?
Our Kodagu A.S. Ponnanna, who is also the Chief Minister's legal advisor, and Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda are already implementing many sports projects. Due to Ponnanna's efforts, a complex of all kinds of sports will be formed on 11.50 acres of land in Badaga village, and work is already in full swing. Kodagu people are also famous as marksmen. Thus, an outdoor rifle shooting range and an indoor pistol shooting range facility will also be provided in this complex. The Kodagu Rifle Association will also be given a makeover. MLA Dr. has already decided to create a synthetic turf at the General Thimmaiah Stadium in Madikeri. Mantar Gowda has submitted a proposal to the Chief Minister. Not only in Kodagu but also across the state, efforts will be made to identify the sports talent of the younger generation of backward classes and tribal communities and take them to the state and national levels.
What are the special features identified in different districts?
What I found when I visited 3 districts already is that although there are many organizations that aim to encourage sports activities locally, most of these organizations are not registered with the Sports Department. Thus, these organizations are not getting the expected financial assistance and programs from the government. It is definitely possible to strengthen the sports sector at the local level by taking advice from representatives of such organizations. For example - Mogaveeras of Mangalore are physically very strong. If they are encouraged in the sports arena, there is every possibility of many achievers. Lambanis are the same. Also, there is no sport except for sports coaches and referees. In this regard, a necessary action plan will be formulated in the coming days to provide necessary assistance to sports coaches and sports referees. There is confusion among different associations related to hockey. If all the associations come under one platform, it will be helpful to provide appropriate assistance to hockey players and the hockey field.
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