Pinarayi Vijayan Pledges to Strengthen Kerala’s Sports Economy
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his government’s commitment to boost the sports economy of the state by encouraging investments in the sector and attracting private entrepreneurs and startups. Speaking at the inauguration of the “International Sports Summit Kerala” at the Greenfield Sports Hub, Vijayan emphasized the favorable conditions in Kerala to develop the sports sector as a significant contributor to the state’s economy.
Vijayan highlighted Kerala’s sports policy, which aims for “sports for everyone,” making the state a model for the rest of the country in organizing a unique sports summit. The objective is to position the sports sector as a substantial contributor to the state’s economy and to embrace new trends, promoting investments in sports.
The Chief Minister revealed the government’s efforts to attract private entrepreneurs and startups to further enhance the sports economy. The summit is anticipated to showcase Kerala’s sports development potential globally, offering an opportunity for the state to learn from successful sports development models worldwide.
Vijayan noted that Kerala has produced numerous international and national sportspersons, and the government has invested Rs 1700 crores in developing basic infrastructure for the sports sector. Additionally, 703 players have been provided jobs in the government sector, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting athletes.
Meanwhile, General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced plans to integrate sports into the school curriculum from the first to twelfth standard. A sports handbook for lower primary classes has been released, and the government is actively considering a curriculum revision for sports schools in the state. The initiatives aim to promote sports at the grassroots level and foster a culture of athleticism among students.
