Hyderabad|India|July'2012: The Chief Minister re-launched the “Sports Star” weekly Magazine of The Hindu group on 25th July. Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government is encouraging sports, games and athletics which will inculcate dedication, discipline and concentration in our younger generation. Sports Stadia would be constructed in all 294 Assembly constituencies with an estimated cost of about Rs.1.5 crores each in 5 to 10 acres land in the first phase and in each mandal headquarters in the second phase.

The Chief Minister Sri N.Kiran Kumar Reddy said that a good sports policy would be contemplated after elaborate discussions with eminent sports personalities in the Country. This proposed policy would be a model for all over the country and a high level meeting with eminent sports personalities of the nation will be convened soon after completion of London Olympics.

The Chief Minister also informed that sports period is being made compulsory in the schools daily and the sports subject will be introduced at a later date. The budget for sports was enhanced from Rs.20 crores last year to Rs.220 crores this year and Rs.4.5 crores dues to eminent sports personalities in the state in shape of cash incentives were distributed recently. Two per cent reservations in government jobs re-started in the State, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister wanted the parents and teachers to encourage out-door sports to children instead of computer games. Good career should be ensured for the sports personnel for their future, he added.

The Chief Minister congratulated the management of the Hindu for re launching the “Sportstar”.

Prominent sports personnel - V V S Laxman, Mukesh Kumar, Ravikanth Reddy, Victor Amalraj Mithilaraj and former Minister G.Vinod also spoke on this occasion.

-July 2012