Funds for nutritious food in sports hostel doubled: Sports Minister Rahim Khan
Udupi: Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister Rahim Khan said that it was discussed in the pre-budget meeting to double the funds being given for nutritious food for sports hostels students in the state in the Budget to be presented shortly.
Speaking after inaugurating various facilities including synthetic indoor tennis court constructed at a cost of Rs 3.75 crore, air conditioned gym constructed at Rs 1.50 crore, girls hostel constructed at Rs 1 crore, disabled-friendly toilets constructed at Rs 45 lakh and ramps by the department at Ajjarakad here on Monday, the Minister said that the department has planned to appoint the sports persons who have participated in international level as coaches to train the sports students. The district which is in the first place in education, has a conducive atmosphere to develop sports activities, for which the department is ready to provide all basic infrastructures, he said.
The sports had no barriers like caste, religion and others. Everyone would represent the country with sporting spirit. There were plenty of opportunities in sports and a sports personality would be honest and strong, he said.
District Minister Dr Jayamala said that the department has to take a decision to construct a cricket stadium in the district immediately, for which 10 acres of land was already identified at Kolalagiri. Indoor shuttle badminton stadium should be upgraded into international level and provide more coaches, she demanded.
Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat, ZP president Dinakar Babu, Taluk Panchayat president Nalini Pradeep Rao, department additional secretary Dr G Kalpana, Commissioner K Srinivas, Congress leaders MA Gafoor, Sathish Amin Padukere, ADC Vidya Kumar, and others were present.
Brother-sister gets Rs 5 lakh each
Minister Rahim Khan declared the cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each to brother and sister- Sachin Shetty (30) and Sahana Shetty (27) of Perdur who have participated in international events, on the occasion. He said that he has directed the Commissioner of the department to give Rs 5 lakh cash prize to each who have excelled in international tennis tournaments and this small prize amount would boost their morale.
Both Sachin and Sahan would work as coaches of the newly inaugurated synthetic indoor tennis court. They are the children of HM Vasanth Mohan Shetty of Perdur.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
