Mangaluru: Sports foster harmony among nations as the power to foster harmony among two nations,” said MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Sri Lanka junior athletic meet organised by the Dakshina Kannada Athletics Association, here, at Mangala Stadium, on Monday.

He said “Sports crosses the barrier of language and caste. It brings together different nations. Everyone should develop a sportive spirit.”

To give the sports personnel security in their education and employment, the government has earmarked reservations for both the private and government sectors. Sportspersons need not feel insecure. Even the private sector needs good teams and must recruit sports personnel,” he said.

To perform well and win medals in the Olympics, the Union government has given preference to sports meets at the village level. Sports help in developing sound mind and body. Sportspersons in the country should strive for winning medals in the Olympics, he added.

Mayor Kavitha Sanil inaugurated the sports meet by releasing balloons into the air and said there are several sportspersons from Dakshina Kannada who have made a mark in national and international sports events. “Opportunities come searching for talented sportspersons who have performed remarkably.”

Dakshina Kannada Athletics Association President Manjunath Bhandary said that for the first time, sportspersons from Sri Lanka were invited to the meet.

“Their participation has brought happiness to us. There is no boundary of language for sports.”

Karnataka Athletics Association Secretary Chandrashekar Rai, Udupi district Athletics Association President Dinesh Puthran, Ceylon Tracks and Fields Club Secretary D A Yasarohana D’Silva were present.