Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman said in Kochi on Sunday that instead of the state and district level, sports councils would be formed at the panchayat level. He was speaking at the inauguration of panchayat municipal level sports competitions at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (QSAT) in Kalamassery as part of the ‘Youth Thalamurakoppam’ program, a statement by the Public Relations Department said.
The minister said that Kusat will get an international-level football and hockey stadium with an investment of Rs 6 crore. A total of ₹1,500 crores is being invested in the development of sports infrastructure in the state. He said that all panchayats will have playgrounds and 112 panchayats have so far invested Rs 12 crore for this purpose. A comprehensive sports policy and program are being developed for the state.
He praised the Kalamassery constituency for starting its own sports programs, while a sports mission is being set up in the state. He said that substantial private investment is being made in the playing field and this should be encouraged.