Mangaluru: Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja has urged the state government to appoint an administrative officer for the Dakshina Kannada District Amateur Kabaddi Association. Addressing reporters on Friday, Poonja highlighted that a 2023 investigative report submitted to the registrar of cooperative societies recommended this appointment following complaints of financial irregularities. Despite this, the post remains vacant.
“The report is pending with the cooperation minister. I raised the issue during the recent legislature session in Belagavi, and the minister assured me of action,” said Poonja. He stressed the importance of government support to nurture kabaddi talent in Dakshina Kannada, pointing out the lack of representation in state and national teams despite local achievements, including Mangalore University’s gold medal at the inter-university level.
To support the sport, Poonja provided two kabaddi mats through the MLA Area Development (MLAAD) scheme and secured a 12-acre reservation for a taluk stadium in Belthangady. He noted that the previous BJP government sanctioned ₹9 crore for the stadium, which includes plans for an indoor kabaddi facility. However, the current Congress government has stalled the release of funds.
“The state government must expedite the release of the funds to ensure the completion of the stadium, which will greatly benefit kabaddi players and other athletes,” Poonja added.
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