The idea of forming the Mysore Olympic Association began to take concrete shape way back in 1958. It was exactly at 9.30 a.m. that some very dedicated sporting personalities met in the Deccan Herald building on Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bangalore - 1, on February 23, 1958 to take steps to achieve their goal.

The meeting was chaired by Mr P.I. Joseph, representing the Mysore State Football Associations proposed by the members present. Mr R.Krishnappa, of the Mysore State Volleyball Association, Mr P.M. Narayanswamy of the Mysore State Weightlifting Association, Mr A.R. Chickpapaiah representing Mysore State Athletics Association, Mr N. Gangiah of the Mysore State Basketball Association, Mr M.V. Krishnamurthy of the Mysore State Wrestling Association, Mr Jayaram Reddy of Mysore State who Who Association and Mr C.M.Ramakrishna Rao o the Mysore State Kabaddi Association were the others who were present.

Mr Joseph explained to the house that they had assembled for the purpose of forming the Mysore State Olympic Association. It was recalled how as far back as April 1957, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, Sir Yadvinder Singh Mahendra Bahadur, the Maharaja of Patiala, had requested the President of the Mysore State Amateur Athletic Association to initiate steps to form the State Olympic Association.

The Chairman observed that a State Olympic Committee was formed but later dissolved after the formation of the Mysore State Athletics Association which took over its functioning. He was glad that various sports associations had now come forward to form the State Olympic Association.

It was then resolved unanimously that the Mysore Olympic Association be formed on the basis of a Constitution and set of bye-laws as outlined by the Chairman. A Rules Framing Committee consisting of Mr P I Joseph, Capt. M G Vijayasarathy, Mr V Byrappa, Mr P.M. Narayansawmy and Mr N. Gangiah, was formed.

It was then resolved to request His highness Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, Maharaja of Mysore, to be the Chief Patron of the Mysore Olympic Association and the Chief Minister Sri S Nijalingappa to be the Patron and the Education Minister, Sub-Area Commander, Mayor of the Corporation of Bangalore and Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss, Ex-Mayor of Bangalore, to be its Vice Patrons.

Consequently, Mr R. Srinivasan, Director of Public Instruction, Mysore State, was unanimously elected as the first President o the MOA. Mr A.R. Chickpapaiah was unanimously elected as the Hon. General Secretary, Mr C M Ramakrishna the Joint ?Secretary and Mr V Byrappa, the Treasurer.

The Hon. Secretary was authorized to take steps to get the newly-formed body to get affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association. 1958-59: President: Mr B Srinivasan; Secretary: Mr A.R. Chickpapaiah; Treasurer: Mr V. Byrappa.

Chaired by the Vice President M G Vijayasarathi, the Hundies of the Flag Week collections were opened and an amount of Rs 555.51 was collected and an expenditure of Rs 75.75 was passed by the committee.

In the subsequent meeting on July 20, 1958, it was agreed to give affiliation to the State Associations in Athletics, Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Gymnastics & Kabaddi.

The work done by the Hon. Secretary Mr A R Chickpapaiah in getting the Mysore Olympic Association affiliated to the indian Olympic Association was appreciated as he travelled to Patiala and presented the MOA case. It was also resolved to open an account in the Bank of Mysore, South Parade Branch, M G Road, Bangalore.

Meanwhile various sports bodies had made their contributions to the Flag Day collections and an amount of Rs 573.35 by cash and an amount of Rs 282.80 by cheque was accepted and passed.

Notable contributors were Binny Mills Sports Club (Rs 100.00), ITI Sports Club (Rs 91.00), Imperial Tobacco Co. (Rs 75.00), Remco (Rs 18.50), Kirloskar Electrical Co. (Rs 41.35), HMT SC (Rs 73.92), Sri J M T Setty, Hassan (Rs 32.00), Mysore District Amateur Athletic Association (Rs 125.00), Mysore State Football Association (Rs 20.92), Mysore State Basketball Association (Rs 13.65), Mysore State Athletic Association (Rs 62.80), Deccan Herald Office (Rs 15.64), Sri Anantharaju (Rs 25.20), Sri R Bharanaiah (Rs 90.61) etc.

The newly-formed Mysore Olympic Association took a momentous decision at its EC meeting on December 20, 1958 at the Deccan Herald office premises.

Chaired by Mr K. A. Nettkallappa, the General Secretary Mr A R Chickpapaiah explained to the members how the State Olympic competitions were conducted annually by Mr A.C. Das from 1927 to 1952, the year in which the Mysore Olympic Committee was defunct by the Dept of Education and that no Olympic competition was conducted since then.

It was unanimously resolved to revive it as the MOA had come into existence. It was de coded to hold competitions in and competitions in athletics, basketball, volleyball, swimming, kabaddi, wrestling, weightlifting, gymnastics and best physique.

It was decided to inquire with the IOA if the National Cycling Federation of India was recognized before conducting the cycling event. Dates for the events were tentatively fixed as January 15, 16, 17 and 18, 1959 for the games.

Meanwhile the Flag Week collections had gone up to Rs 25,000 with ITI, Binny Mills, Mysore State Football Association, Mysore District Athletic Association contributing Rs 2,000 each and various other entities chipping in.

At the EC meeting on December 28, 1958 at the Deccan Herald office premises, the house discussed the dates of the State Olympic Games. As it dates fixed as January 15, 16, 17 and 18, 1959 for the games clashed with the State Police Sports, it was decided to change the dates to January 29, 30,31 1958 and Feb 1, 1959.

It was also decided to form sub-committees to take charge individual games. The sub-committee would also deal with protests, if any. Accordingly, each association nominated their officials and the sub-committees were as follows:

Basketball: Sri L S Venkatesh (Convener), Sri C.W. Subhan Singh, Sri: R.N.T. Iyengar

Volleyball: Sri R. Krishnappa (Convener), Sri Gaddelingaiah, Sri M.V.Krishnamurthy

Kabaddi: Sri V.N.Rangaswamy (Convener), Sri K. Jayaram Reddy, Sri B.M.Rachappa.

Wrestling: Sri N. Gangiah (Convener), Sri B.M. Rangadasappa, Sri N.S. Suryanarayana Sastry.

Weightlifting & Gymnastics: Sri P.N.N Samy (Convener), Sri K.S. Iyer, Sri C.V. Yashobal, Sri S.S. Jirige, Sri Narasinga Rao Kamble.

Swimming: Hon. Secretary was asked to contact the association

Athletics: Sri M. Muthappa (Convener), Sri N. Lingaiah, Sri B. M. Rachappa

Sri A.R. Chickpapaiah, the Hon. Secretary, was the ex-officio member of all committees.

The budget prepared for Rs 4,507.00 was provisionally approved. As the income was so small, it was decided to request the Govt of Mysore, through the Dept of Public Instruction for a suitable grant as also to request the government for use of the stadium rooms to house about 200 mofussil athletes.

The IOA letter regarding conduct of the Flag Week was read out. The secretary was authorized to indent for 25,000 flags if the week was to be held in the last week of March or 10,000 flags if it is held before (i.e. last week of March).

Sri K. A. Nettakallappa was requested to fix suitable personalities for the Inauguration and Closing Ceremonies. There are no records to show if the games were held as planned as the next meeting on February 22, 1959 has read and accepted the minutes of the meeting held on December 28, 1959.

Elections for 1962-63: President: Sri Jeenabhai Davodiss; Hon. Gen. Secretary : Sri A.R. Chickpapaiah; Hon. Treasurer: Sr B.S. Narayan. Early problems surface

Sri Jeenabhai Davidoss was elected as the President of the MOA for the 1962-63 period with Sri A. R. Chickpapaiah as the Hon. Secretary and Sri B.S. Narayan as the Treasurer.

Earlier Sri Chickpapaiah stated that due to various problems, the association was not being able to function well and the State Olympic Games was also not held as planned. So the house decided to put all efforts to put it back on track.

On February 25, 1962, it was decided to organize the State Olympic Games from May 10 to 13, 1962. It was also resolved to bid to conduct the 21st National Games in Bangalore in 1964.

In the March 28, 1962 meeting the MOA approved receipts of Rs 125.00 and an expenditure of Rs 120.75 with the balance of Rs 17.14 also being mentioned. It only reveals the sincerity with which the officials were functioning then.

Interestingly, a sum of Rs 105, being 50 percent of the expenses incurred by the secretary for his trip to attend the IOA meeting in Delhi was approved. That only meant that the secretary had to bear the remaining 50 per cent. A budget estimate of Rs 2,492 needed for the State Games was approved.

A parallel Gymnastics association was formed and affiliation sought. Sri P.M.N. Samy objected to it. But after a discussion, the members sportingly agreed to give affiliation. Football and hockey associations were requested to apply for affiliation.

A month later, various sub-committees were formed to organise the State Olympic Games. And they were held from May 10 to 13, 1962. Can a professional Gymnastics coach also hold office in an amateur body like the Gymnastics Federation of India? This subject was important and they decided to seek a clarification in the IOA meeting that year in Bombay.

On August 4, 1963, it was decided to change the name of the Association from Mysore Olympic Association to Mysore State Olympic Association.

Mr A.R.Chiakpapaiah, the Hon. Secretary of the MOA, attended the IOA meeting in Calcutta on March 1, 1964 and said that a model constitution for all State Olympic Association was proposed by the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association and accepted by the IOA. Mr Chickpapaah was elected as a member of the IOA Executive Board for the first time.

The Mysore State Olympic Games was proposed to be held from May 22 to 24, 1964 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium with the volleyball event to start on May 15, 1964 as the team had to go to Hyderabad for the South Zone Championships.

The budget of Rs 2000 for the games was approved a the MOA meeting on April 5, 1964 at the Deccan Herald office. Events in athletics, basketball, cycling, volleyball, weightlifting, gymnastics, kabaddi, kho kho, swimming and wrestling, It was also de coded at the meeting to request the State government for allotment of a room to house the offices of the Mysore State Sports Council's as also to provide a bore-well to maintain the athletics track, to install a water-cooler to benefit sports men and women, to equip the stadium with standard sports and athletics equipment and to rectify the Cinder Track which is about 2 meters more than the standard track of 400 metres. Rolling shields were proposed to be awarded for winners of each game.

The MOA was allotted the National Games by the IOA to be organised from January 19 to 23, 1966. The Hon. Secretary Mr A.R. Chickpapaiah, who attended the IOA meeting, said that he had offered to conduct competitions in athletics (men, Women, Boys (Under-18) and Girls (Under-16), weightlifting and best physique, swimming, gymnastics and cycling.

The meeting of the MOA unanimously decided to request Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss to continue as the President and Mr Chickpapaiah as the Hon. Secretary for another year and it was readily accepted. They also decided to get the MOA registered under the Society's Act with Sri H.G. Balakrishna being requested to help the MOA in this regard.

The State Games were to be held in May and the President agreed to make efforts to procure rolling trophies for athletics, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, cycling, kho kho and kabaddi. Mr P.M.N. Samy agreed to donate on for weightlifting.

Interestingly, the MOA had the practice of passing accounts for every month with the receipts and expenditure being made known and passed at the Executive Council's meeting.

The EC meeting on July 18, 1965 was given to understand that there were no receipts in April but an expenditure of Rs 16.68 was in cursed. In May it was Rs 1,263 while expenses were Rs 19.33 while in June 1965 it was Rs 200 and Rs 10.96 respectively. It shows how meticulously the MOA handled its accounts.

Mr Chickpapaiah then stated that he had got replies only from weightlifting for conduct of their event in the National Games in 1966 while venues for swimming and cycling had already been fixed by the IOA and they would not be held in Mysore.

The cycling track at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium was yet to be repaired and it was decided to go ahead with events in athletics, gymnastics and Bharat Shree competition for the National Games.

The estimated cost was Rs 78,000 while receipts till then were only Rs 29,000. So the MOA decided to seek grants from the All India Council of Sports and the Mysore State Sports Council to make good the deficit.

The meeting, chaired by Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss and Capt. M. G. Vijayasarathi, appointed Mr Chickpapaiah as the Organizing Secretary of the National Games and to have 50-odd members to serve in the Organizing Committee.

The MOA had its last meeting on May 12, 1964 at the Deccan Herald office. Right from 1958, that was the venue. But thanks to the efforts of Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss, the MOA was able to get a place allotted in the Mayo Hall and the first meeting at a new venue was held on July 27, 1964.

At the annual general meeting on August 8, 1965, it was decided that the President Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss would continue and was empowered to select his team off office-bearers. Mr Chickpapaiah continued as the Secretary and Mr B S Narayan as the Treasurer for 1965-66.

Capt. M.G. Vijayasarathi, Mr M.R. Ramanna, Mr V.T. Velu, Mr B.M. Rachappa, Mr P. Ramdev, Mr H G Balakrishna, Mr C N Piers, Mr V P Deenadayalu Naidu were among those included in the council.

It was also decided to have at least 'four or more' Vice Presidents, by amending the bye-laws.

The team continued for the 1966-67 term as well. But the bye-laws were amended and in 1967, Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss (President), Mr A. R. Chickpapaiah (Hon. Secretary) and Mr B S Narayan (Hon. Treasurer) were unanimously re-elected for a three-year term - 1967 to 1969 - for the first time.

Efforts were already on to form two associations, one in wrestling and in swimming as well. But the MOA decided to recognize only those who were with them since its inception.

From the Mayo Hall, the meeting venue moved to the residence of the President, Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss, at No 10, Ulsoor Road, Bangalore -1 or in his office in the Chamber of Commerce building as he was also its president. It then moved to the YMCA before having its first meeting in the KOA office in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium premises on October 30, 1980.

Mr Jeenabhai Davidoss, Mr A.R. Chickpapaiah and Mr B S Narayan held their respective offices till 1972 as well. But on July 27, 1972, Mr Chickpapaiah resigned at an emergency meeting and Mr K.A. Nettkallappa was appointed as the Hon. Secretary as suggested by Mr Davidoss. The trio continued for the 1973-76 term as well. But for the 1977-81 term, Mr V.R. Venugopal was elected as the President, Mr G. Somashekarappa, the Hon. Secretary and Mr M E Prichard as the Hon. Treasurer.

Organising multi-event games is always a challenge. That too without proper infrastructure. While discussing the possibility of con ducting the State mini Olympics (Children below 14 years) in July/Aug, 1981, the KOA felt the need to build an indoor stadium in Bangalore. It was decided to approach the state government for land for the purpose. The proposed areas were: Premises of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Central College cricket ground or Langford Gardens football ground (Akkithimmanahalli).

It wanted to ask the concerned officials to make over the Central College ground on a lease basis to construct the Indoor Stadium. The KOA also wanted suitable land to construct a Club House of its own.

The KOA then sought a meeting with the Sports Minister urging him to provide office space for various State Sports Associations in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium premises. The Municipal Corporation was also to be approached to build dormitory accommodation at the Jayanagar Sports Complex. The matter of sites for the Indoor Stadium, Club House as also the Grant-in-aid rules to be taken up with the government.

Rather intriguingly, Mr S.V. Jayaram, the then Hon. Secretary of the Karnataka State Basketball Association, sought government aid to provide refreshments to his players during coaching camps.

There surely was a human touch to the KOA's activity. It observed two minutes silence in June 1983 to mourn the death of India's Olympic hockey captain Prithipal Singh. More importantly, it wanted to communicate the sympathies of the KOA to Prithipal Singh's family members.

It was brought to the notice of members that football, hockey and badminton were yet together affiliated in 1985.

Mr B.S. Raghavan, Chairman of the Karnataka State Sports Council, had been coming up with press statements regarding poor preparation of the state contingents for the National Games. He had also criticized many KOA officials for their poor handling of various issues related to coaching, finances etc. At the EC meeting in January 1986, the KOA decided unanimously to approach the Chief Minister to change the Chairman of the KSSC and also to reconstitute the body.

In 1985, Dr.C.M Muthaiah attended the AGM as the IOA Observer as Sri F.M. Khan (President), Mr P. Sathyanarayana (Secretary) and Mr M K Nagendra (Treasurer) were elected as principal office-bearers while Mr T. Anantharaju was made the Joint Secretary.

The KSSC had been withholding grants to various KOA affiliated sports associations on some pretext or the other. As such, it was decided to ask the state government to provide a grant of Rs 5 lakh to the KOA and Rs 50,000 to each association on an annual ad-hoc basis which would be accounted for.

Mr Anantharaju mentioned that KOA officials had made 19 trips to the KSSC office in connection with a grant of just Rs 400 but were yet to receive the cheque.

Incidentally, the KSSC had prepared a list of MLA and MLC to be sent to the Seoul Asian Games with the government bearing the cost. It was decided to ask the government to cancel the proposed trip as sportsmen and women were overlooked and politicians were being sent.

Lack of funds and personal contributions were par for course in the 1990s too. To honor the medalists of various National championships in 1991, funds were needed. So Mr K R Rajagopal (Rs 4,000 for sandalwood garlands), Mr K. Govindaraj (Rs 3,500 for printing g certificates, invitations etc), Mr Lokesh Gowda (Rs 7,500 for refreshments for all the invitees), Mr G. K. Sangameshwar (Rs 10,000 for furniture hiring, decoration etc) came forward with their donations.

In the SGM on May 8, 1993, it was resolved to amend the rule No 4 and make Rs 250 as the annual renewal fee from Rs 100 previously.

At the AGM on May 8, 1993, Mr K.N. Shanth Kumar was elected as the President, Mr G.Somashekarappa as the Secretary General and Mr H.N. Vijayaraghava Reddy as the Treasurer. The 4-year term was from 1993 to 1996. Mr F.M. Khan, the former President, was made the Chief Patron of the KOA at the same meeting.

The IOA allotted the 1995 National Games to Karnataka at a meeting in Bangalore on December 9, 1993.

The Capitation fee of Rs 10,00,000 was paid by cheque to the IOA but it had not been cleared. So the government was reminded of the same. Efforts were being made to sing an agreement between the KOA and the state government to organize the 1995 National Games.

The KOA wrote to the Commissioner, Youth Services and Sports but got no response. The Secretary wrote five letters for a joint meeting between January and April 1994 but got no response.

The KOA was being sidelined with the government taking certain decisions in contravention of the conditions laid down by the IOA. It was felt that if the KOA is not able to sign the protocol agreement with the IOA, the National Games might well be lost. This after the flag was received by the KOA President Sri Shanth Kumar at the end of the National Games in Pune in 1993-94. It was decided to form a KOA delegation to meet the Chief Minister Sri J H Patel. Sri F M Khan (Chief Patron, KOA), Sri K N Shanth Kumar (President, KOA), Sri H C Srikantaiah (President, KRAKA), Sri S C Burman (VP, KOA), Sri Ashok Kumar Shetty (President, KEA), Sri P. Malleswaran (VP, KOA), Sri G. Somashekarappa (Secretary, KOA) were members of the delegation.

In the meantime the KOA President was invited by the Principal Secretary for an informal meeting on May 13, 1994 to discuss the project report prepared for the event. But the President was not given a copy and said he might not attend the meeting due to this. The delegation then met the Principal Secretary who sought details but gave no further response. They then eventually met the CM on May 17, 1994.

The government had by then constituted the Organizing Committee and a meeting was convened by the government. The KOA President and Secretary were invited for the meeting. But they did not attend the meeting as a protest against the government sidelining the KOA. Meanwhile, hockey, fencing, triathlon and Gulbarga DOC were given affiliation.

Some members felt that the government was trying to divide the KOA.

There were rumors of the IOA's move to shift the National Games 1995 to Madhya Pradesh from Karnataka. But no official communication was received.

The government then formed the Steering Committee, Finance Committee, Games Technical Conduct Committee, Infrastructure Committee and Accommodation Committee in consultation with the KOA President and Secretary. It was decided to build the Games Village in Koramangala. Some associations sent proposals for coaching state teams to the KOA while some sent it to the KSSC. The camps to prepare the teams were to start in October 1994, as suggested by Mr P Malleswaran.

The IOA asked the KOA to confirm the developments with regard to conduct of the National Games 1995 and sought the proposed dates as well. KOA President Mr Shanth Kumar and Secretary Mr G. Somashekarappa were nominated by the government to be the Vice Chairman and Joint Secretary respectively of the Organizing Committee of the 4th national Games.

By February 1995, work orders for construction of the Sri Kanteerava Stadium Indoor Stadium at Sri Kanteerava Stadium complex and Koramangala and at Mysore had been issued.

The Karnataka State Football Association sought affiliation with the KOA.

Mr T.R. Swamy, Hon. Secretary of the Karnataka Wrestling Association wanted the KOA to approach the government to provide office space to all State sports associations in close proximity to the National Games office for better and easier coordination at least 3 months before the scheduled start.

Meanwhile the Secretary informed the KOA that many sports persons who were medal prospects, were leaving Karnataka as other state governments were providing employment. It was decided to approach the Karnataka government to create employment opportunities to retain them.

There were rumors of the IOA's move to shift the National Games 1995 to Madhya Pradesh from Karnataka. But no official communication was received.

The government informed the KOA that works on the indoor stadia in Koramangala, Sri Kanteerava Stadium complex, Mysore, S. Channaiah Wrestling Stadium, Mysore, Gurunanak Bhavan for weightifting and the hockey stadium had begun and were progressing. Work on the Games Housing Complex and the Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysore were also in progress.

This indicates how much the government kept the KOA in the loop of things.

Besides, it was pointed out that there had been no progress for venues like swimming, water sports, cycling velodrome, shooting range, football, kabaddi, boxing, tennis and kho kho though various venues were earmarked.

KOA President K N Shanth Kumar had expressed his reservations about spending too much public money on wasteful infrastructure. Maintaining them would be a problem and they would be under-utilised. Yet the OC went ahead and planned for a lot of it while ignoring the KOA. On February 11, 1995, Mr Shanth Kumar decided to resign and sent in his resignation letter. Officially, he stated that he was being over-burdened with work due to the additional responsibility.

But the KOA decided not to accept it and felt that it was very untimely for Mr Shanth Kumar to quit at this stage. They urged him to withdraw his resignation and meet the challenges ahead.

Consequently, Mr Shanth Kumar decided to withdraw his resignation and continued to head the KOA.

The President and Secretary placed a brief report on the progress at the IOA meeting in Delhi on April 27, 1995 as also that of the first GTCC meeting. The rules framed were placed for approval.

AJAY KUMAR SARNAIK COMES IN

Karnataka Sports Minister Ajay Kumar Sarnaik, representing the who was the Bijapur District Olympic Association, attended an EC meeting on June 9, 1995 and assured members that funds would be released by the government on time for various teams preparing for the event.

The government had by then decided not to construct a cycling velodrome due to time constraints. The cycling association insisted that a velodrome could still be built as at Pune and wanted the OC to change its stance. With football stadium construction also in limbo, the OC had decided to conduct football at Mysore.

With the government ignoring the KOA's pleas over creation of infrastructure and with some officials in the KOA being hand-in-glove with the government, Mr Shanth Kumar again put in his papers on June 9, 1995. This time the KOA accepted it with 'regrets' at the EC meeting on the same day.

Mr Ajay Kumar Sarnaik was co-opted as the President of the KOA for the remaining term at the same EC meeting.

In the normal course, and as per the KOA Constitution, the senior-most Vice President should have taken over. Obviously, Mr Ajay Kumar Sarnaik was part of the government and if headed the KOA as well,. there would be no opposition to other OC members' plans of creating vast infrastructure at the cost of public money. That seemed to be the over-riding factor in this decision. They also resolved to request the CM to include Mr F M Khan, the Chief Patron, as a Patron of the NGOC.

The calendar of events for the 4th National Games proposed to be held between November 16 to 27, 1996 was approved on January16, 1996. Mr A Lokesh Gowda, President of the Karnataka Volleyball Association, said that it had become customary for the KOA to take up important issues under 'any other subject' in EC meetings instead of scheduling it for proper discussion earlier. Mr Seetharam, Secretary, kabaddi association, Mr Nandakumar, secretary volleyball association and Mr K Govindaraj, Secretary, basketball association supported Mr Lokesh Gowda's contention. This was wirth regard to Mr Shanth Kumar's resignation letter. The Secretary said that he had received it late. Mr Ajay Kumar Sarnaik's co-option as President, in place of Mr Shanth Kumar, for the remaining period of the term, was ratified. The Karnataka State Football Association was granted affiliation in July 1995.

With the infrastructure still not ready, the National Games were rescheduled to be held from February 16 to 27,1997. There were he controversies with regard to the conduct of the National Games with the CAG report eventually stating that there were frauds worth crores of rupees while giving all details. The CAG reports forced the Karnataka government, now under CM S M Krishna, to order an enquiry. But nothing happened.

After meeting in October 1996, well after the NATIONAL GAMES were over, the KOA did not have a meeting till August 1997. Mr Ajay Kumar Sarnaik continued to be the President while Mr P Malleswaran replaced Mr G. Somashekarappa as the Secretary and Mr M S Chandrashekhar became the Treasurer.

It was pointed out that Mr Somashekarappa had not submitted the books of accounts, receipt books, vouchers etc properly and many had not been handed over to him. Mr D S Murthy, President of the hockey association, pointed out that accounts for the year 1996 were not given by Mr G. Somashekarappa for auditing. It was also resolved that all cheques must signed by two of the three office-bearers with the Treasurer's signature being compulsory.

Even by December 1997, Mr G. Somashekarappa, the former Secretary, had not submitted necessary papers to the new KOA Treasurer or Secretary despite several reminders. And neither were the 1996 accounts audited.

So the KOA decided to constitute a fact finding committee after Mr G K Sangameshwar, Mr T. Anantharaju, Mr Mohan Raj, Mr F M Khan and Mr D S Murthy spoke about the need to do so.

A six-memver committee of Mr Sarnaik, Mr D S Murthy, Mr Sangameshwar, Mr S C Burman and Mr Chandrashekhar was set up on December 22, 1997.

In February 1998, the letter from M/s Prabhu & Co, Chartered Accountants, was placed for discussion pertaining to the 1996 accounts.

After prolonged discussions, mr Sangameshwar wass authorized to have meeting with the concerned persons. Mr Sangameshwar suggested that the KOA must write to Mr Somashekarappa an d give him 10 days time to clarify and explain the following points:

a. Non-submission of complete records tp the new Secretary,

b. Drawal of huge amounts to the tune of Rs 6,15,686=17 from the bank without specific approval of the EC.

c. Mis-leading the GENERAL Body on 19-10-1997 that the 1996 accounts were audited when no auditing was done at all.

d. To call for explanation/clarification as to why suitable action should not be taken for not rendering the accounts of the GTCC to the OC of the 4th NG held during MAY/JUNE 1997 in Bangalore.

Mr G. Somashekarappa wrote a letter on 20-02-1998 to the President Mr Sarnaikmon the delay in providing all accounts/documents. The KOA felt it should have been sent to the Secretary and placed before the house.

It was decided to call an EC meeting and invite Mr Somashekarappa as a special invitee and thrash out all issues.

Strangely, on April 28, 1998, it was noticed that the Canoeing & Kayaking Association was not affiliated to the KOA but was included in the voters' list for the AGM held on October 19, 1997. Thereafter the association agreed to get affiliated in May1998.

Meanwhile Mr G. Somashekarappa continued with his dilatory tactics and wrote a letter saying he was unable to attend the meeting on May 5, 1998. The house was very upset and decided to serve a show-cause notice to Mr Somashekarappa with a reply experience ted within seven days to the committee headed by Mr S C Burman, Mr P Malleswaran the conveyor and Mr Sangameshwar, Mr D S Murthy and Mr M S Chandrashekhar as the members.

In September 1998, Mr K Govindaraj, Secretary of the basketball association and others felt that the Indoor Stadium constructed for the National Games had become prohibitive for the state associations to conduct their sports activities. Mr Govindaraj also said that a wooden flooring must be provided. Mr Ajaykumar Sarnaik said he would take it up with the government and requested state associations to book the stadium well in advance to prevent non-sports activities.

The State Games were revived and conducted from Aug 4 tom 8, 1998. A sub-committee headed by Mr D S Murthy as the Chairman, Mr P. Malleswaran as the Convenor, and Mr K Govindaraj, Mr M S Chandreshekhar, Mr T. Anantharaju, Mr Manjunath (Dharwad), Mr V J Vishwanath (Shimoga), and Mr K N Chandrasekhar as members was formed to amend the KOA Constitution and also to frame rules for the conduct of the State Games in future.

A proposal to hold the 'Southern State Games' was mooted by Mr Ajaykumar Sarnaik and it was agreed to work out the details after permission from the IOA.

The sub-committee formed to probe the Somashekarappa episode submitted its report and presented it to the EC on November 27, 1998. The EC decided to irecommend to the KOA general body to immediately permanently expel the former Secretary Mr Somashekarappa fro all KOA activities. The EC unanimously decided to suspend Mr Somashekarappa from the membership of the KOA and its affiliated units pending further decision of the Special GB meeting as also to recover the losses from Mr Somashekarappa. The Special GB meeting was fixed for January 24, 1999. But duet the 5th national Games in Imphal, it was postponed. Mr Somashekarappa then filed a case against the KOA.

Interestingly, after a couple of adjournments, on April 7, 2000, the Secretary read out a letter received from Mr K N Chandraskhkhar, Advocate representing the KOA, regarding the case filed by Mr Somashekarappa. It said that the case was withdrawn in terms of a compromise petition filed in the court. In view of this, the matter was treated as closed. All's well that ends well….!

It was decided to conduct the 2nd State Games in Gulbarga from February 1 to 4, 2001. The Belgaum and Davangere District Olympic Associations were granted affiliation its 2000.

It was decided on May 7, 2000 to fix the Admission Fee at Rs 1,000 and the Annual Renewal Fee at Rs 500 for all state sports associations and district Olympic associations as well.

The next AGM was fixed for May 26, 2002.

May 26, 2002: This will always be a historic day in the annals of the KOA just as February 23, 1958 when the KOA was established. For on that day in 2002, Mr K. Govindaraj, the Hon. Secretary of the Karnataka State Basketball Association defeated the incumbent Mr Ajaykumar Sarnaik in the elections and was elected as the President.

Mr Govindaraj, who took charge when the KOA had a bank balance of Rs 5,000, has turned the organization's fortunes beyond recognition. More than the money, he has succeeded in transforming the KOA from a "receiving" organization to a "giving entity". Time was when the KOA sought government funds to even train sportspersons from the state for the state games or the national games. But not any more. The KOA has initiated a number of measures beneficial to the sporting fraternity of the State. It was also the first such organization to establish an annual KOA Awards ritual with all those who have been making the state proud getting awards. Not just sportspersons, even those who have supported sports, sponsors, promoters, educationists who encourage sports, media personnel, etc. have been recognized and rewarded. Former legends have also been given their importance and honored from all disciplines.

The icing on the cake has been the construction of the Karnataka Olympic Bhavan. Mr Govindaraj, a Member of the Legislative Council, as also the Parliamentary Secretary to Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, managed to get a parcel of land allotted for the construction of an Olympic Bhavan. Mr Govindaraj promised the CM that he wouldn't ask the government for any financial assistance and would complete it through his and the KOA's ability to raise funds. Mr Govindaraj has achieved the impossible. The Olympic Bhavan has risen high and is all set for inauguration in early 2018 when the KOA will also complete 60 years of its inception.

Supported admirably by Mr T. Anantharaju, the KOA Secretary General, and his team, Mr Govindaraj has managed to create a KOA which has become an example for other state bodies. It can only go from strength to strength.

The long journey from 2002 to 2018 has been not all smooth sailing for Mr Govindaraj if only because there is no dearth of spanner throwers in state sports politicking.

Mr Govindaraj's style of functioning can be summed up in just three words: Plan, Promise and Perform. He will brook no opposition or interference as he sets his eyes on the goals to achieve.

Mr K. Govindaraj, chaired the first meeting of the newly-elected Executive Committee on June 6, 2002.

After discussing the National Games in Hyderabad that year, the Olympic Day Run and the IOA's offer to host the National Games in 2005, the members were informed that the cash balance of the KOA was a mere Rs 5,000. It was felt that all the EC members must contribute generously and improve the bank balance. Mr Govindaraj announced his contribution of Rs 10,000. Vice Presidents Mr C V L Shastry and Mr Nagaraja Rao Jagdale matched his contribution.

All the other members also announced their share and within minutes Rs 68,000 in all was added to the balance of Rs 5,000 to make it a respectable Rs 73,000. Right down to 2017, the KOA's balance runs into six figures after saving something for a rainy day. Mr Govindaraj also suggested that deserving and medal-winning sportspersons must be given cash awards as well.

It was decided to institute the KOA Award in September 2002 where in sportspersons, veterans, coaches, umpires and referees, promoters, sponsors, media who have made contributions would be honored and given cash awards depending on the availability of funds. It was also decided to request all state associations to recommend names of deserving sportspersons to the awards sub-committee. Consequently the ball was set rolling and 19 people were chosen for the first awards ceremony held on November 14, 2002 at 'Yavanika'.

Various sub committees were also formed to look into various areas of functioning. Significantly, a Sports Promotion, Development and Talent Search Committee was also formulated.

The Indian Olympic Association allotted the conduct of the 1st National Youth Games to the KOA to be conducted in Bangalore from June 4 to 11, 2004.

The KOA officially launched the games at the Conference Hall of the Vidhana South in the presence of the Chief Minister, Sri S M Krishna and Mr Suresh Kalmadi, President of the IOA, and other officials.

The KOA President Mr Govindaraj informed the house on July 28, 2003 that had managed to secure a sum of R 5 lakh from the state government for the Karnataka Swimming Association for the conduct of the Senior National Aquatic Championships in Bangalore. He had also raised donations to the tune of Rs 2.25 lakhs for the KOA through M/s MSPL Ltd, Host and Bunts Sangha, Bangalore.

Mr Nagaraja Rao Jagdale, the VP, donated a sum of Rs 10,000 towards printing of a KOA quarterly News Bulletin. The list of 2003 KOA Award winners was also finalized.

On July 11, 2003, the KOA to a very significant step. The former Secretary Mr G Somashekarappa had not provided proper documents for an amount of Rs 1.65 lakh drawn by him from the KOA's accounts. Despite repeated letters, reminders and personal meetings, he had failed to account for the amount drawn. After prolonged discussions on the subject, it was finally resolved to: take steps to recover the money and also to debar him for a period of 10 years from holding any post in the KOA or in any sports association affiliated to the KOA. They were directed to replace him in their bodies. Non-compliance would entail disaffiliation from the KOA, they were informed. (25 sports associations and five district bodies (Belgaum, Bijapur, Chitradurga, Dharwad and Davangere) in 2002).

By the end of 2003, the Secretary Mr P Malleswaran informed the committee that the purpose of calling the emergency committee meeting was to discuss the revival of the State Games. It had not been held since 1998. The house unanimously decided to revive it and organ use the same in February 2004.

The President Mr Govindaraj requested the state associations to organize their events and forward the results to the KOA. Consequently, Mr Govindaraj said that the following token amounts will be given to the associations to conduct events in their respective disciplines: Athletics and Swimming (Rs 1,00,000 each), Football, Hockey, Rifle Shooting, Volleyball (Rs 50,000 each), Archery, Basketball, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Gymnastics, Handball, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Tennis, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Weightlifting and Wrestling (Rs 25,000 each).

With the KOA now dealing with a lot more money regularly, the Joint Secretary Mr T. Anantharaju suggested that a proper procedure must be adopted for issuing cheques. He said that in future, all payments must be made through a sanction memo duly counter-signed by the President and Secretary General. The Hon. Treasurer should then issue the cheque signed by him and either the President or Secretary. This was accepted and adopted to be followed from July 1, 2004.

Meanwhile, the President stated that the Karnataka government had initiated steps rot conduct the First National Youth Games in Bangalore from January 5 to 12, 2005 and that various committees would be formed.

By the end of November 2004, the KOA's bank balance had grown from Rs 5,000 in 2002 to Rs 10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs) for which the executive committee lauded the efforts put in almost single-handedly by the President Mr K. Govindaraj. Mr Govindaraj was elected as one of the Associate Vice Presidents of the IOA for a 4-year term.

Mr Govindaraj then said that all sports associations could forward applications from needy sportspersons, in any discipline, for financial assistance for studies, medical emergency, to attend coaching camps, to participate in events a road etc. They must be forwarded to the KOA which will, provide help to the extent possible.

At its AGM on June 24, 2005, the decision to co-opt Mr T. Anantharaju, the Jt Secretary, as the Secretary General in place of Mr P. Malleswaran who had been ailing for quite some time, was ratified. He was co-opted at the EC meeting on October 6, 2004.

FIRST NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES

It was decided to hold the first National Youth Games from January 16 to 23, 2006 in Bangalore and Mysore. Mandya was also added as a venue later.

As Mr P Malleswaran, the Hon. Secretary had been unwell, the KOA President Govindaraj suggested that Mr Malleswaran should be felicitated at his residence in February 2006 as he could not attend the awards function in November 2005. It was agreed upon and the KOA decided to present a cheque for Rs 1,00,000 to Mr Malleswaran. Various other associations also made donations and Rs 71,000 was presented to him as well apart from the KOA cheque.

At the AGM on April 23, 2006, Mr Govindaraj was elected as the President for a second straight term - 2006-2010. There was no doubt at all that the KOA members would want him to continue considering the enormous amount of work he had done in a short span of time. Mr T. Anantharaju, who was functioning as the Secretary General Incharge due to Mr P Malleswaran's illness and absence, was elected as the Secretary General while Mr Rajesh Jagdale was elected as the Treasurer.

Interestingly, the KOA members felt that the Sports Authority of Karnataka, formed during the National Games in 1997, be dissolved as it was nothing but mere 'dead wood' and a burden on the government.

Mr Mohanraj, VP, proposed that District Olympic Associations be dissolved as they were not functioning properly, to raise the renewal fees from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 and to form a sub-committee to amend the constitution which was out dated.

Mr Govindaraj, announced his action plans for the second term. As suggested by his Sports journalist friend, he said that it was time to work towards the construction of a Karnataka Olympic Bhavan, to provide financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to associations formational events, insurance cover for sportspersons, office accommodation for all sports bodies, increase daily allowance to Rs 150 for national events, Lifetime Free passes for Arjuna Award winning sportspersons and medical facilities to those who are in need of the same. STATE OLYMPIC GAMES

Mr Govindaraj said that the State Olympic Games would be held i2006 in Hubli-Dharwad and Belgaum to spread sports consciousness in the State.

State associations continued to make donations towards the KOA Fund. Mr Govindaraj (basketball), Mr R K Shetty (hockey), Mr Rajesh Jagdale (swimming) gave Rs 10,000 each while Taekwondo (Rs 5,000), Mrs Radhu Mkurhy (women's hockey, Rs 4,000) made substantial contributions at the first EC meeting of the newly elected body. Nine other associations chipped in with Rs 5,000 each. Ms Chitra Magimairaj, who won the Women's World billiards title, was awarded Rs 10,000 for her achievement though cue sports is not an Olympic discipline.

All sports persons from Karnataka representing the State or the National team would be given an insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh. An Olympic Day run was planned in Dharwad on July 2, 2006 with Mr Satyanarayan and Mr Anantharaju entrusted with the responsibility of conducting it.

The KOA, as per the IOA's instructions, organised the Maintaining & Essay competitions in connection with the Asian Games in Doha in 2006. The response was huge and six students from Karnataka were selected to represent India and to attend the Asian Games and the south Conference in Doha with all expenses being borne by the Asian Games Organizing committee. It was also decided to publish the KOA quarterly newsletter.

Preparations were on track for the State Games in Hubli-Dharwad from January 2 to 7, 2007. Karnataka's entries for the National Games in Assam and also the 2006 KOA Awards function was also discussed. Mr Satyanarayan, Joint Secretary, had not attended three consecutive meetings. AS per the KOA Constitution it was a violation and such a member could be replaced by another. In the meantime Mr Satyanarayan himself resigned and it was accepted.

The Special General Body meeting on January26, 2007 resolved that the District olympic Associations be deleted from the Constitution of the KOA. It was argued that the DOAs had not renewed their memberships and were not functioning properly. Also all state associations were directly affiliated to the KOA, the existence of the DOAs was not necessary. A total of 37 members raised their hands favoring deletion of DOAs and five were against it. Mr Satyanarayan, Mr Gopal Krishna and Mr M K Nagendra staged a walk out after having voted against the resolution.

The sub-committee on the amendment also proposed to increase the fee for new associations as Rs 20,000 but the SGM reduced it to Rs 10,000 and renewal fee as Rs 1,000.

The KOA Executive Committee ratified the decision to file a case against "The Times of India" English daily newspaper for publishing a defamatory article and damaging the reputation of the organization. Mr Govindaraj, President, had filed a separate case as an individual as he was targeted in the article.

With the KOA in a healthy financial position, it managed to provide financial assistance to the tune of Rs 25,000 to the women's hockey association, cycling association and fencing association for organizing various national championships. The swimming association was given Rs 50,000 for conducting two national championships in 2006.

The IOA had fixed the dates for the first National Youth Games in Bangalore to be held from July 22 to 29, 2008. The State government had sanctioned Rs 12 crore to the committee and work was in progress for its conduct. The GTCC meeting g was called on June 11, 2008 where in secretaries of all national federations would attend.

The KOA addressed the problems of the volleyball and kho-kho associations. Volleyball was given three months' time to conduct its AGM and send the list of office-bearers while an ad-hoc committee was already in place for kho-kho with Mr Mohanraj as the Chairman.

On a suggestion from Mr Krishnamurthy, the President said that a Finance Committee will be formed so that it can generate more funds for the KOA. He also said that various other committees will also be formed to decentralize the functions of the KOA. The committee is authorized to take final decisions and place it before the EC for approval and to the GB for ratification.

The Karnataka High Court was hearing a petition on the usage of the Free kanteerava Stadium and Indoor Stadium. It sought the views of all associations and the KOA as well. The KOA informed the court that the stadium was required for use 300 out of the 365 days in a year to conduct training camps, state, national and international events. Priority must be given to sports associations and if they have no event, the Indoor Stadium may be given for conduct of exhibitions.

It was also decided to bring out a KOA Magazine with Mr Sudhir, secretary of the badminton associations the Convener and Mr Mohanraj, the Chairman.

By July 2009, the IOA wrote to the KOA that the men's and women's hockey bodies must be merged as was the case with the game in the country. Hockey india, formed in 2008 was working on the 'One Game One Body" principle of the FIH. Karnataka must also follow suit. The IHF and the IWHF were disaffiliated and derecognised by the IOA and Hockey india was given affiliation. Karnataka should also have one hockey body.

The KOA Awards function was now being organized at the Raj Bhavan with the Governor Mr Hans Raj Bharadwaj saying that the Raj Bhavan was open to 'all well-meaning people' of Karnataka. This was with reference to a section of people writing to the Governor asking him not to permit the function to be held there.

On July 21, 2009, the KOA wrote to the KSHA and KSWHA stating that they were disaffiliated and de-recognised as a unified hockey body has to be formed.

A sub committee was formed to call for fresh affiliations for men's and women's hockey clubs and district hockey associations in Karnataka. The sub committee was asked to call Mr R K Shetty and Mrs Radha Murthy form discussion and then finalize the ad hoc committee of Hockey Karnataka in April 2010.

Mr C G Shashivardhan, EC Member, suggested that KOA affiliated units should be asked to refrain from negative action against the KOA or filing suits without exploring the constitutional provisions. Such bodies shoudlbe disaffiliated and action taken for violation of the constitution, he felt.

Mr Harish Sharma, the BFI Secretary and Joint Secretary of the IOA was deputed as the IOA Observer for the AGM on May 9, 2010 where a total of 40 members were present. The President Mr K. Govindaraj, Secretary Mr Anantharaju and Treasurer Rajesh Jagdale were re-elected but the results were announced only the court cleared the case filed by Mr M K Narendra, secretary of the handball association.

Due to the KOA's efforts, the state government had agreed to increase the daily allowance of sports persons from Rs 125 to Rs 150. The DYSS would also provide jobs as coaches to sports persons with national and international achievement. Cash prize for KOA Awardees was increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.

The KOA decided to honor medal winners from Karnataka at the XIX Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in October 2010.

In order to improve the finances of the KOA Mr Govindaraj announced a personal donation of Rs 1 lakh. Mr Manje Gowda, Mr T praveen Kumar and Mr Rajesh Jagdale also followed suit with a similar amount. All other members were requested to contribute at least Rs 5,000.

It was proposed to again form District Olympic Associations in all districts by amending the KOA Constitution.

As per the directions of the Karnataka HC, a sub committee was formed to submit a report pertaining to the parameters and rules for use of the Sree Kanteerava Stadiums.

After detailed discussions on the sub committee report, the EC framed the following rules:

a. A Stadium Management Committee to be set up for maintaining the venue and the fields.

b. The SMC should be constituted under the chairmanship of the Director, DYSS with four members from the KOA, four members from KOA affiliated sports associations, two officers from the DYSS with one being the Member Secretary.

All stadiums including the fields, track, buildings, halls etc under the control of the DYSS whether in Bangalore, other talks and districts, must be brought under the control of the SMC.

All venues must be provided only for recognized sports activities.

Sports organizers, associations, federations must reserve the stadium well in advance.

The stadium/field must be used only for sports and sports related activities such as international/national/state/districttaluk level champion ships, training camps, team selection, conferences, seminars, examinations, tests related to sports. Central and State government activities may be permitted.

In October 2011, it was decided to form a sub committee to frame rules and regulations to form District Olympic Committees. Mr K. govindaraj was the Chairman and Mr Anantharaju the Convener with M/s Lokesh Gowda, J P Carneiro, P M Somasekhar, C G Shashivardhan, K C Nagaraj and N C Sudhir the Members.

Mr Nanda Kumar, Secretary of the Karnataka Volleyball Association suggested that the Vice Chairman and Joint Secretary of the SMC should be from the KOA and this must incorporated in the rules framed. It was decided to send the rules formed to the DYSS to be submitted to the High Court.

The State Games proposed to be held in Raichur and Gulbarga were postponed and now proposed to be held in Hubli and Dharwad. in June 2012, the KOA got a very big honor. President Mr K. Govindaraj was made a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council. The EC members felicitated him for this achievement.

OLYMPIC CUP GAMES in September 2012, it was decided to organize the KOA Olympic Cup Games from November 8 to 12, 2012 in Bangalore.

In an unfortunate incident, athlete K C Chandana was injured in an accident and was hospitalised. President K Govindaraj visited the athlete along with the Minister for Sports Mr Abhay Chandra Jain. The President presented a cheque for Rs 25,000 from the KOA to the athlete.

Netball, Wushu, Hockey Karnataka, Riding and Kho-Kho were given affiliation in June 2013.

The KOA had plans to build a 'Sports City' on the outskirts of Bangalore in three years' time. Due to the KOA's efforts governments departments like the Police and Transport had agreed to recruit sports persons. The Housing Ministry had agreed to allot flats to deserving sports persons. Concessions to sports persons traveling by bus was suggested on the lines of railway concession. The President agreed to talk to the Transport Minister. He also said a letter has been given tom provide bus passes to Arjuna Away winners and Olympians.

In April 2014, the President informed the house that he had requested the state government to allot a piece of land within the Sree Kanteerava Stadium Complex for construction of the Karnataka Olympic Bhavan. He had promised to complete it without any help from the government. A plan was also shown to the men bars and approval sought.

The time for the elections for the 2014-2018 period had come. The Returning Officer Mr Sangolli informed the house that except for the Secretary's post, only one nomination had been received and as such, they were elected unanimously.

Elections were held to elect the Secretary General. The incumbent Mr Anantharaju was challenged by Mr Nandakumar. A total of 58 votes were cast. Mr Anantharaju secured 43 and Mr Nandakumar got 15 votes. Mr Anantharaju was duly elected as the Secretary General.

A committee was formed to develop a website for the KOA in 2014. It was also decided to conduct a Walkathon from Vidhana Soudha to the tennis stadium in Cubbon Park to highlight the menace of drugs in society.

The Karnataka Amateur Athletics Association had resolved to withdraw their affiliation with the KOA at a meeting on March 12, 2011.

The KAAA had sought re-affiliation in a letter dated May 6, 2014. The EC decided to ask the association as to why they had withdrawn their membership. They had to submit the proceedings of their AGM, their EC decision to seek re-affiliation, audited statements of accounts, list of office-bearers and committee members and a copy of the certificate from the Registrar of Societies for having submitted their annual returns. The Karnataka Table Tennis Association had conducted their AGM in June 2013 without informing the KOA despite a KOA member being part of the ad-hoc committee of the KTTA formed by the Table Tennis Federation of India. As such their affiliation could not be considered.

Karnataka participated in 25 disciplines in the 35th national Games in Kerala and placed 11th overall winning a total of 53 medals comprising 9 gold, 21 silver and 23 bronze medals.

The President Mr K Govindaraj said that the state government had agreed to allot land near the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium measuring 80 x 50 feet (4,800 square feet). He requested members to make liberal donations towards its construction. Mr Rajesh Jagdale, the Treasurer, announced donation of sum of Rs 30 lakh. One hall in the building was to be named after the late Nagaraja Rao Jagdale. Judo, hockey and badminton associations announced donations of Rs 1 lakh each. Volleyball and wrestling also promised Rs 1 lakh each. Mr Govindaraj said he would donate Rs 5 lakh. The Chief Minister Sri Siddaramaiah had agreed to lay the foundation stone to be held in September 2015.

Work on the construction of a cycling velodrome in Vijaypur (Bijapur) at a cost of Rs 7.30 crore had started. Mr Govindaraj had been unanimously elected as the President of the Basketball Federation of India.

Canoeing & Kayaking, gymnastics and table tennis associations were given affiliation in September 2016.

The state government had released an amount of Rs 3 crores for the State Games in Hubli & Dharwad.

The work the Olympic Bhavan was progressing fast and was to be completed by December 2017.