Udupi:”Even after having a population of 125 crore we could win only two medals in Olympics. China bagged first place in medal tally of Beijing Olympics, because they were preparing for that since past 25 years. In India also we should strive to achieve more and more,” said Sports and Fisheries Minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

He was speaking after inaugurating Udupi taluk Dasara sports meet organised by district administration, ZP, sports ministry and TP at Ajjarakadu Mahatma Gandhi stadium.

Speaking on the occasion Minister said “The government has decided to introduce a new sports policy to support the achievers by helping them to get a professional job.

To increase the transparency in selecting the sportsmen for the awards, Sayyad Kirmani will be the chief of Ekalavya award and for ‘Kreeda Rathna’ it is Lokanath Bolar,” he said.

He further said that these awards will be presented to 15 achievers along with Rs one lakh each on August 29.

TP President Nalini Pradeep Rao, ZP President Dinakar Babu, Sports Ministry Assistant Director Dr Roshan Kumar and others were present.