Mysuru: The state govt is committed to encouraging sports by providing employment opportunities, financial incentives and better infrastructure for athletes, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara said on Sunday.Speaking after inaugurating the four-day state-level Dasara sports meet, he said the event, which began as part of the Navaratri festivities, had evolved into a major sporting festival. This year, competitions are being conducted in 31 disciplines.Govt has announced a 2% reservation for sportspersons in govt jobs, with recruitment opportunities already available in the police and excise departments. Efforts are under way to extend these opportunities to other departments. Athletes winning medals at national and international competitions are also eligible for financial incentives, Parameshwara, who holds the sports portfolio, said.Govt is developing sports infrastructure, including synthetic tracks, in various districts to help athletes prepare for national and international competitions.The minister assured Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Shilpa KS that she would receive the revised cash award of Rs 50 lakh for her bronze medal. The state govt has revised its incentive structure to Rs 1 crore for gold, Rs 75 lakh for silver and Rs 50 lakh for bronze medals at international competitions. The revised awards follow demands for enhanced incentives from medal-winning athletes.Karnataka Olympic Association president and MLC K Govindaraj urged the govt to provide 25% attendance and 5% grace marks to students selected for national and international sporting events, enabling them to balance academics and sports.On the occasion, Shilpa and Asian Games golf gold medallist Pranavi Urs were felicitated for their achievements.
