Asian Games bronze medal-winner Pramila K. Aiyappa has said that proper sports infrastructure is needed to train sportspersons, and the State Government must provide all the facilities they require to excel.

She was speaking after inaugurating a two-day sports meet organised by the Mysore District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) at Chamundi Vihar Stadium here on Saturday.

Laying a synthetic track at the stadium would go a long way in inspiring sportspersons, she said. It would also help them perform well at the higher level, Ms. Aiyappa said. The Department of Youth Services and Sports could facilitate the synthetic athletic track at the stadium, she noted.

A product of Kudige Sports Hostel in Kodagu, Ms. Aiyappa urged parents to encourage children who showed keenness in sports and understand that proper training could take them a long way. The media should play a proactive role in encouraging sportspersons by projecting them through articles, Ms. Aiyappa said. Such encouragement would help young athletes make a mark in national and international events, she added.

Later, Ms. Aiyappa was felicitated by the MDJA.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / by Staff Correspondent / News > States> Karnataka / Mysore, Jul 03rd, 2011