Kerala will be 'Sports Own Country': Minister

Kochi, Aug 30 (UNI) Kerala Sports Minister M Vijayakumar today said the state was on the verge of complete resurgence in sports and would be known as 'Sports Own Country' in the near future.

Inaugurating a synthetic track at the Maharaja's College Ground here, Mr Vijayakumar said the government was increasing the basic sports infrastructure with an aim to take sports to all.

''The government is spending around Rs 300 crore to develop sports infrastructure in the state, out of which Rs 200 crore will be provided by the Centre,'' he said.

Mr Vijayakumar said the state would be known as 'Sports Own Country' as a resurgence in sports was round the corner.

The Minister said the government was planning to build an international-standard swimming pool in the immediate future.

The track, second in the state, was laid as part of preparation for the National Games in 2009 in the state.

The track was prepared at a cost of Rs seven crore and was completed in one and half years.

Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister M A Baby said the government was planning to make sports a part of school curriculum.

Mr Baby said importance should be given to all sports, including football and athletics, rather than giving priority to cricket.

Mr Baby gave a momento to Indian football team member N P Pradeep.

Sportspersons Shiny Wilson, T C Yohannan, Beenamol, S Sreesanth, Wilson Cherian and Sebastin Xavier were present on the occasion.

UNI