Telangana State government boost for water sports

Telangana State government boost for water sports
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The Telangana State government is taking a giant forward leap in its quest to make the State the country’s sports capital.For starters, it had named Sania Mirza as the State’s Brand Ambassador thereby making its intentions clear that promotion of sports and athletes were paramount on the developmental agenda.

Hyderabad: The Telangana State government is taking a giant forward leap in its quest to make the State the country’s sports capital.For starters, it had named Sania Mirza as the State’s Brand Ambassador thereby making its intentions clear that promotion of sports and athletes were paramount on the developmental agenda.

In keeping with this very spirit, the State Government has now identified yet another sport, the promotion of which is expected to serve dual purposes over a period of time-produce champion materials as also give a boost to sports tourism. Making waves in this direction will be a vibrant push to water sports.

What could be more pragmatic than refurbishing abandoned tanks under Mission Kakatiya and help generate employment and swell the State coffers to handsome levels in the not too distant future?Although, it is to take-off as a recreational pastime, impetus will be given in such a way that people running those units in the interiors could contemplate conducting championships.

Irrespective of the financial robustness, the latest move is likely to get a thumbs-up from sports persons and administrators once it rises above the recreational zone, a la the international kite flying experiment that has actually enhanced the State’s image by several notches.


In order to make optimal use of the water bodies, the government has come up with a Water Sports Policy that will also give spurt to employment to youth across various categories, possibly as boating and kayaking coaches besides as guides.
Given the agricultural importance of the earmarked areas, the one who gets to upkeep the tanks after they become water sport-friendly, will be subject to dos and don’ts, including sticking to sports activities only in the specified areas. Venturing into restricted areas would be a strict no to the sports enthusiasts.

According to State Principal Secretary to Government (Irrigation) Vikas Raj, District Collectors have been authorised to enter into agreements with developers and bidders, who would have to participate in the open auction. In accordance with the policy, developers will be cautioned against disturbing irrigation facilities given that reservoirs are meant for exclusive agricultural purposes, which remains the focal point of Mission Kakatiya.

Polluting water bodies and indulging in activities that adversely impact the livelihood of fishermen will be a serious offence by all those passionate, and over-enthusiastic promoters of water sports. This will be a good precautionary measure considering that for the water sports vibrancy at Hussainsagar Lake, the water body that stinks and nauseates is the bane of the State capital.

According to those keen on popularising water sports, which today is being extensively promoted by Sports Authority of Telangana State and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), district level clubs and associations may bid to host competitive events once people embrace the policy norms in letter and sport and jump onto the bandwagon.

By PATAN AFZAL BABU

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