Government needs to improve sports infra in rural areas: Pol Sec to CM

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Improving basketball standards in the country in addition to giving a push to developing all-inone sport centres in rural areas of Karnataka are objectives close to President of the International Basketball Federation in Asia (FIBA), K Govindraju's heart.

In an exclusive interview with News Trail, Govindraju, an MLC and political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, touched on his public life, sports and the talent pool available. Here are excerpts:

Q: As President of FIBA in Asia, where do you rank India in the continent?

India needs to improve a lot. I am supporting the Basketball Federation of India’s (BFI) initiatives to support basketball players, beyond training and conditioning. I want India to be at the top in Asia soon.

Q: How does CM Siddaramaiah help in building sports talent?

He’s a lover of sport. It was the chief minister who pushed for clearing job reservation (two percent) for sportspersons in all government departments.

He was also the driving force behind increasing the reservation from two to three percent in both the police and forest department. No government in the country has taken it so far. In addition to providing financial support to sport associations, the CM had increased the prize money for Olympians.

Q: What are the similarities in public life and sport?

Both are different. I work in sports and the passion drives me to excel in politics too.

Q: A report suggested that the sports department has proposed to redevelop Kanteerava Stadium at a cost of Rs 500 crore. Any update on it?

The government has to take a call soon. I’ve also requested the CM and the Sport Minister to improve infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

The government should develop it in all four regions of the state. A full fledged sport centre worth Rs. 500 crore should be prioritised. This will help bring new and young talent to the fore.

Events can also be conducted in the said sports centre. This can be done on a yearly basis.

Once all the projects are done, the state can be one of the topmost performers in the country.

Q: How do you assess the talent pool here in sports other than cricket?

Basketball is growing fast here. More infrastructure and support is however crucial. The Central government should also prioritise improving other sports.

To ensure smooth growth of talent, It's better for governments not to get involved in administering sport. They should provide logistical support and ensure accountability.

Q: A lot of para-athletes in the state do not feel they are appreciated enough. What measures cane be done to ensure this?

We have a paralympic body in place. We are ready to help them if they bring a proposal explaining their needs, be it disabled friendly infrastructure or financial support.

Q: What’s the current status of steps to improve sports hostels?

The CM’s budget has made a provision to establish new sports hostels. It was learnt that sports hostels in the state are in a terrible condition.

We’ve also given athletes diet allowances, and more financial support in their camps and for national championships.

Q: And finally, how are you addressing issues pertaining to doping among athletes in the state?

I strongly oppose doping among athletes. It is necessary to have a clean slate in this regard. We are working to establish an effective antidoping system.