Chennai: Giving a major boost to the morale of young sportspersons in the state, chief minister Jayalalithaa has alloÂcaÂted a sum of Rs 35.77 crore towards the devÂelopment of various spÂorts centres across the state including raÂising the funds allocated for meals and dieÂtary supplements for top sportspersons traÂined by the state, a relÂease said.
The Integrated SpoÂrts Complex, located at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, that was reÂceÂntly inaugurated by the chief minister, following renovation woÂrk, will get more facilities in the form of sqÂuash courts, indoor badminton courts, volÂleÂy ball courts and a special hydrotherapy swimming pool for training differently abÂled sportspersons in the state.
The state government has released Rs 12 crore towards work on this integrated sports complex.
Sportspersons from the state who participate in international and national level spÂorts meets and are beÂing trained to represent the state currently receive a sum of Rs 75 a day.
This sum has now been raised to Rs 250 a day at a cost of Rs 10.12 crÂore to the state. “ThÂese funds have been increased mainly to help our sportsmen and women get all the necessary supplemeÂnts and quality food to be able to prepare better,” state officials said in a release.
A similar raise will also be in effect for the meal plans of all the young boys and girls who are training at the primary training centres in the state.
“At present, the yoÂung sportspersons are receiving Rs 150 a day for their meals. This amÂount would also be raised to Rs 250 a day. College students who are training for varioÂus sports activities who are presently recÂeiving Rs 90 a day will also get Rs 250 a day,” a release said.
Besides, three CeÂntÂres of Excellence in SpÂorts would also be set up at Srirangam TiÂrÂunelveli and Erode for budding sportspersons in the state, the release added.
