New Delhi: Keralites being avid sports aficionados and the state of Kerala boasting an unparalleled fervour for sports is no news as down south on the map of India, resides the country’s very own sporting powerhouse. While being at the pinnacle of national sports achievements across myriad of sporting disciplines, Kerala boasts a history of iconic athletes, who have exhibited their sporting prowess, turning the state into a National Sports Hub.
In an attempt to significantly contribute towards the state’s economy and boost the sporting culture, a first-of-its-kind initiative ‘Sports Kerala’ was introduced to embody the concept of sports, fitness & wellness economy at the historic International Sports Summit Kerala (ISSK).
The one-of-a-kind initiative aims to create a sports economy, nurture future sporting stars and eventually transform into a reservoir of wealth for Kerala, offering prospects to people from all walks of life across the state. Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman emphasises on Kerala’s unrivalled sports infrastructure which stands at the forefront of the country.
Attempt to attract more investment to the state
Recently, I had the honour of talking to Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, who shared his idea of creating a sports economy and developing players at the grassroots level by establishing training grounds and playgrounds in the state. My further interaction with the Sports Minister revealed that this attempt will most certainly attract international expertise and more investment to the state, which will be an addition to the Rs 1700 crore of investment secured on the first day of the summit.
According to the honourable minister, Kerala has huge potential for sports development due to its massive interest in sporting events and the state is also exploring the possibilities of sports tourism by hosting a successful summit. The government of Kerala further aims to create more than 10000 jobs per year in the field of sports is initiating the Kerala Institute of Sports at Calicut University, where sports courses will be offered to the students.
Kerala first state to initiate sports economy
On the path of nothing short of a historic evolution to become the first state to start and implement a sports economy in the country, Kerala is moulding such a sporting ecosystem which will expectedly achieve numerous milestones, eventually proving beneficial for the entire country.
All the stakeholders involved aim at an imminent integration of sports into Kerala’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), which is a pathway for this innovative vision and a benchmark for other states to follow. ISSK served as a perfect curtain raiser to showcase the immense sporting and economic power of the state.
As daunting as the task might seem, Kerala provides a perfect habitat for budding athletes to flourish and with a strong and supporting ecosystem, the goal to fulfil the potential doesn’t look far away.
On the path of nothing short of a historic evolution, Kerala has become the first state to start and implement a sports economy in the country. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
