State is Mulling Manufacturing of Sports Equipment: Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Kerala Government will consider manufacturing of sports equipment in the state on a large scale, bringing an end to the practice of sourcing sports goods and accessories from other places, Minister for Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, E P Jayarajan, said on Thursday.

He was speaking after inaugurating “SportX Kerala-2019”, a first-of-its-kind three-day International Sports Expo, at Jimmy George Indoor Stadium here. “It is necessary to ensure adequate availability of modern equipment to ramp up our presence in the sports arena, and familiarize our sportspersons with modern trends,” the Minister said.

More than 100 leading manufacturers of sports goods and fitness equipment are showcasing a wide range of niche products in the three-day event.

“Expos like this are platforms for sportspersons, organizations, and sports enthusiasts to know more about the latest equipment and devices. Apart from getting introduced to new goods available in the market, they will be able to buy the goods they are looking for from the expos,” Jayarajan added.

The Minister visited over 12 stalls put up at the exhibition, organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, in association with Indian Exhibition Services. On the sidelines of the event, a series of seminars on key topics of contemporary sports and sports-related activities are also being held.

V S Sivakumar MLA, presided over the function. Dr A. Jayatilak, Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, welcomed the gathering. Sanjayan Kumar, Director, Sports and Youth Affairs, proposed a vote of thanks. V. Sunil Kumar, President, Kerala Olympic Association, was also present.

The expo is designed to offer the public a vivid idea about the reigning trends in modern sports, by bringing together brands, experts and consumers, by displaying a wide array of products of leading sports, fitness and wellness industry.

The long list of exhibits includes sports goods and accessories, fitness, rehabilitation and adventure sports equipment, toys, gaming devices and beauty products. Being held when the sports infrastructure is poised for major changes, the expo has an entire segment on technology, raw material, machineries and allied industries.

Panel discussions on “Sports Infrastructure”, “Sports Training-Modern Trends,” and “CSR in Sports” were held on the opening day. Experts in respective fields and leading athletes, trainers, physical educationists and sports administrators led the presentations at the seminars.

Major stakeholders of the sports fraternity in Kerala and outside, including representatives of Sports Federations/Associations, Coaches of Kerala State Sports Council/GV Raja Sports School/Kannur Sports Division/LNCPE among others, are participating in the event.

An activity zone has also been set up at the venue where Fight Nights – an activity by Kerala State Amateur Boxing Association, Kalaripayattu demonstration by Kerala Kalaripayattu Association, Mr. Sportx – an event by Trivandrum Body Building Association, Karate demonstration by Kerala Karate Association, Hooper series by Kerala Basketball Association, Introduction to Scuba Diving and Underwater games are also being held.