Ishwarya Mohan (19)  has simply returned to Ramanathapuram after profitable a bronze in discus throw at CM Trophy, a State-level event performed by Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu in Chennai. From Class VIII, she was put by means of her paces by a coach at Seethakathi Sethupathi Sports Ground, a 14-acre facility on the sprawling Ramanathapuram Collectorate complicated.

It homes an international-level hockey stadium with astro-turf;  three indoor badminton courts with wooden floors which is being refurbished; a swimming pool; a tennis court docket; an indoor stadium that may host chess, desk tennis tournaments and many others.,; and a 400-metre monitor for athletics.

There can also be a sports activities hostel for boys with emphasis on hockey and athletics.

Despite grouped in probably the most backward districts of Tamil Nadu, Ramanathapuram stands out with its achievements in sports activities. With the sports activities infrastructure open to  all, on daily basis there are nearly 500 youngsters who come to the grounds to practise, says District Sports Officer Dhinesh Kumar. Most of them are genetically endowed with qualities to shine in athletics. This large useful resource needs to be tapped in a greater means, he says.

The authorities should appoint extra coaches as there are solely three now –  a everlasting coach for hockey, a part-time coach for tennis and a coach on consolidated pay underneath Khelo India scheme for martial arts. So, the kids are on the mercy of personal coaches who not solely cost a hefty payment however present little dedication, mother and father say.

Ishwarya’s father, a policeman, learnt it the laborious means. Once the athletic coach was transferred, there was no alternative. They needed to rely on a non-public coach in Paramakudi. So the father-daughter duo made the 40-km journey each morning. After follow, she would rush to high school. Now after becoming a member of school, the daddy coaches her by placing her by means of her paces following the exercise given by the coach over cellphone.

“With the government planning to set up mini stadiums in all Assembly segments, we have sent a proposal to renovate the stadium in Paramakudi. We hope that this would also mean more coaches for various games. We have also mooted the idea of setting up a Water Sports Academy in Rameswaram. With a long coastline, we have children, who, if trained the proper way, can fetch medals in kayaking, surfing, etc.,” Mr. Dhinesh Kumar  says.

In 2014, ₹7 crore was spent on laying astro turf. “At that time one would have wondered why such a big investment was made. But, in the junior State team there are many players who have perfected their dribbling skills on this very turf. It is with this confidence that we have put forth a proposal for an artificial athletic track. Once we get it, we will churn out more medallists,” says Mr. Kumar.