Udupi: The Sports Policy 2018 of the State government has been designed keeping in mind the interest of students who need support to excel in sports, said Minister for Fisheries, Youth Empowerment and Sports Pramod Madhwaraj here on Tuesday.

He was speaking at a function organised to inaugurate the Father Muller Indoor Stadium, multi-storeyed parking zone, and gymnasium on the premises of Father Muller Institutions. Mr. Madhwaraj said wide consultation with sportspersons and other stakeholders were held for two years to formulate the policy. “It is a pro-student policy. Students are being encouraged to get involved in sports,” he said.

Apart from ensuring employment for sportspersons in government departments, Mr. Madhwaraj said, the policy also speaks of the need to give grace marks. It also speaks of role of educational institutions in development of sports in the State.

Mr. Madhwaraj said the State government has instituted the Kreeda Protsaha award to recognise institutions that are improving infrastructure and creating an environment conducive for development of sports.

Meanwhile, veteran sprinter and ace coach P.T. Usha, who attended the function, hoped of a good performance by the 31-member Indian contingent participating in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, which starts from April 5.

Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Ms. Usha said this was the first international event of the season for athletes. She expressed hope the Indian contingent would win more medals than it did in the 2014 edition. She was also appreciative of 18-year-old sprinter Hima Das, who recently broke the 52-second mark at the 22nd Federation Cup in Patiala, and of sprinter Dharun Ayyasamy, who are both part of the Indian contingent. “The two have a good future,” she said.