Kerala to bring bill earmarking funds for injured athletes

Kozhikode: Kerala Sports Minister Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan on Saturday said the state government would bring in a bill earmarking funds to help sportspersons who sustain serious injuries during sports events.

He was speaking after formally inaugurating the 59th state school sports meet here.

Education Minister, P K Abdu Rabb, who presided, announced that prize money for the winners of various events has been doubled and the gold cup for the overall championship is of 101 sovereigns.

Former sprint ace, P T Usha and Kerala Sports Council President Anju Bobby George also participated in the function.

About 2650 athletes from 14 districts of the state will vie for the top slots of the events to be held at Olympian Rahman stadium in Kozhikode Medical College here.

Ernakulam is leading the medal's tally on the first day with five golds, four silver and three bronze closely followed by Palakkad with three golds, four silver and three bronze medals. Thiruvananthapuram came third with two golds and a silver medal.

Bipin George of Mar Baselios School in Kothamangalam smashed the 21-year-old meet record in the 5000m boys category.