Madikeri: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel said that the Centre has been giving emphasis on transparency in sports sector.

He was speaking after inaugurating the athletic centre constructed at a cost of Rs 9 crore jointly by the Sports Authority of India, Ashwini Nachappa Sports Foundation and the state government at Gonikoppa near Virajpet on Sunday. “There were allegations that the sports sector is not getting enough fund. However, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, the fund allocation has been increased,” he insisted.

He said that all the proposals from Karnataka in connection with sports would get funding from the Centre.

Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports Pramod Madhwaraj said that kabaddi mats would be given to districts that are in need of it. There is lack of knowledge on sports among officials. Henceforth, athletes will examine while preparing a pitch. This will help in maintaining the quality of the pitch, he added.

MLA K G Bopaiah said Kodagu has contributed to the sports sector in the country. There is lack of facilities in the district. There is a need for four hockey turfs which need to be sanctioned by the government.

Ashwini Nachappa of the Ashwini Athletic Foundation said athletes from Bengaluru were selected this year. Sports talents from rural areas would be selected and trained at the school.

Kodagu-Mysuru MP Prathap Simha has tweeted against Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel, “Are you coming to Coorg tomorrow? If so, at least your office must have the courtesy to inform the local MP.”

The MP has shared it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah at 9.28 pm on January 7.Union minister waits for 50 mins. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel had arrived for inaugural programme of sports centre on time.

However, he had to wait for the Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports Pramod Madhwaraj for nearly 50 minutes to inaugurate the centre.