TN: Sports Minister Arjuna reviews facilities at Coimbatore's Nehru stadium, assures support to athletes
Coimbatore, May 31
Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Sunday inspected sports infrastructure and training facilities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore, interacting with athletes, coaches and officials to assess their requirements and ongoing development works.
The minister, who was in the city to attend the final of the All India Basketball Tournament, visited the Nehru Indoor Stadium, where he was received by Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar Giriyappanavar, officials from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), and other district authorities.
During the inspection, Arjuna toured various facilities within the stadium complex, including the gymnasium, where he interacted with athletes and sought feedback on the quality of infrastructure and support available to them.
He later visited the playing areas and engaged with students practising yoga and football, discussing their training requirements and the improvements needed to strengthen sporting facilities.
The minister also met athletes from disciplines including athletics and kabaddi, listening to their concerns and suggestions regarding infrastructure, equipment and training support.
Several athletes took the opportunity to interact with him personally, with many posing for photographs and selfies during the visit.
Among those who met the minister was national sub-junior kabaddi player Keerthana, who said the interaction focused on improving facilities for athletes.
"The Sports Minister visited for inspection. He asked about our practice needs and facilities. We requested sports kits, food, and medical equipment. He promised to provide them soon. We also discussed infrastructure. A new indoor ground has opened for Kabaddi, and we'll start practising there shortly. We are already playing at the national sub-junior level," Keerthana told ANI.
The visit highlighted the state government's efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide better support systems for emerging athletes across Tamil Nadu. The newly developed indoor facility for kabaddi was among the key projects discussed during the inspection.
After completing the review, Arjuna spent time with athletes and officials before leaving for other scheduled engagements. When approached by reporters for comments on the inspection, the minister declined to speak, citing a busy schedule and multiple events lined up for the day.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some attention to sports at the grassroots level! 🙌🏏 Kabaddi needs more support - proud of our athletes. But the real test is when the next budget comes. Will funds actually be allocated?
Coimbatore has been producing some great athletes in kabaddi and athletics. This kind of ministerial visit is encouraging. But I hope it's not just a photo op - athletes need consistent support, not just during election season! 💪
Happy to see a minister actually visiting the ground and talking to players directly. The small things like asking about food and medical equipment show he's listening. But let's be honest - we've heard these promises before. Will follow up on this story in 6 months.
The fact that he came to watch a basketball tournament and then inspected other facilities is a good sign. Multiple sports getting attention. Now we need this kind of energy in every district, not just Coimbatore. Tamil Nadu has so much sporting talent waiting to be nurtured. 🏀🏐
As a Coimbatore resident, I've seen this stadium get upgrades slowly over the years. Minister's visit is welcome but the real issue is consistent maintenance of facilities. Hope the new kabaddi indoor ground actually stays well-maintained and accessible to athletes from all backgrounds.
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