Mini Olympics to kick-off today, winners and top performers await cash prize

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

The third edition of Karnataka’s “Mini Olympics” is set to kick off on Thursday, with over 5,000 children set to participate in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Karnataka remains the only state in India to conduct “Mini Olympics” earmarked for children aged under 14. This edition features 24 disciplines including Kabaddi, Kho-Kho Volleyball and Football. Games for these disciplines will happen in various sporting complexes across the city till November 20.

“The purpose of conducting tournaments like these is to set a benchmark, and to identify talent, especially from those rural areas of the state,” said K Govindaraj, President of the KOAand political secretary to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister Siddaramiah, who according to Govindaraj handles the sports portfolio, will inaugurate the games in the presence of key cabinet colleagues like Deputy CM D K Shivakumar.

What’s in hand for top performers, is an opportunity to be trained by top sports scientists in the Centre for Sports Science at the premises of the stadium, in addition to a cash prize of Rs. 5000 and a medal.