BENGALURU:The Karnataka Olympic Association will be housed in its own ‘Olympic Bhavan’ by the time Gauri and Ganesha come calling next year if things go according to plan. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone of the Olympic Bhavan in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium complex on Friday. The KOA has given itself a year’s time for its inauguration.
Siddaramaiah dished out sporting humour at its very best and appeared to be in great form at the mike as he addressed the crowd.
“Govindaraj told me he will raise the Rs 5 or 6 crore to complete the project. MPs and MLAs and other corporate friends may help him. But please complete it before one year,” he said.
“All ministries, Olympic association and the sports department must work together to develop good infrastructure so that our sports persons shine and win medals,” the CM added.
“Many of my cabinet colleagues head sports associations and federations. Many were sports persons. Look at Parameshwara, our party state unit chief... He was a runner. George, our Home Minister heads archery association. I don’t know if he did archery. Ramalinga Reddy is with the kho kho association. Did you play kho kho?” he asked.
KOA President and MLC K Govindaraj said, “The Olympic Bhavan has always been my dream project. We explained the purpose to the CM and the Sports Minister Abhaychandra. They agreed to allot the land,” said .
“We plan to have a sports library. A sports museum will also be set up. Sports trophies and memorabilia will also be displayed there. A conference hall will also be constructed,” he said.