Decks have been cleared for setting up of the state’s first rowing academy in Kota with the state government appointing a coach and floating tenders purchasing boats and equipment.
Conceptualized by the former Congress government in 2010, with a budget of more than ₹50 lakh, but the setting up of the academy was put on hold with the change of government in the state.
The state government has appointed Arjuna awardee and international rowing champion Bajrang Lal Takhar as the rowing coach.
Rajasthan born Takhar (37), who bagged three medals, including gold, silver and bronze in three Asian Games in the past, said: “Kota district collector Rohit Gupta has sanctioned ₹36 lakh for the academy under the smart city project and Kota urban improvement trust has floated tenders for buying rowing boats and other equipment.”
Earlier, the building meant for the rowing academy was allotted to set up the women’s football academy, Takhar said, adding that he has submitted a proposal of ₹1.50 crore to the state government for the constructing of a new complex since the academy does not have a building of its own.
The academy will train a total of 25 boys and 25 girls, which is likely to be set up in the next couple of months, he said.
{{/usCountry}}The academy will train a total of 25 boys and 25 girls, which is likely to be set up in the next couple of months, he said.
{{/usCountry}}“The training will be held at the city’s Kishore Sagar Lake.”
District sports officer Azeez Pathan said efforts are on to start training activities of the rowing academy before the end March this year.
“The rowing academy will produce budding talents in the state,” he said.