Chennai, June 24 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Adhav Arjuna has said that the state government is exploring the possibility of establishing a dedicated office for the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association (TNOA), pointing out that the association currently functions without even a permanent office facility.

Addressing reporters in Chennai on Wednesday, the Minister said Tamil Nadu, despite being one of India’s leading sporting states, does not have an Olympic Bhavan or a dedicated office for its Olympic association.

He noted that neighbouring Karnataka and several other states have already developed such facilities to support sports administration and athlete development. “Even today, the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association does not have an office of its own. States such as Karnataka have Olympic Bhavans and dedicated offices. We are therefore looking for suitable land to establish an office for the Olympic Association in Tamil Nadu,” Adhav Arjuna said.

The Minister said the government was examining ways to strengthen sports infrastructure across the state and ensure that sporting bodies receive the support needed for their long-term growth and functioning.

He also provided an update on the construction of the Kalaignar International Centre on the East Coast Road (ECR), describing it as one of the major infrastructure projects being developed by the government.

According to the Minister, nearly 40 per cent of the construction work has been completed. Once operational, the centre is expected to host a variety of events, including cinema screenings and commercial programmes.

“After the Kalaignar International Centre is opened, we will be able to conduct cinema shows and commercial events there. As a result, sports stadiums and sports grounds can be reserved exclusively for sporting activities and competitions,” he said.

Adhav Arjuna further observed that the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association had not received substantial infrastructure support from governments in the past. He said dedicated Olympic infrastructure had not been created and no significant funding had been earmarked specifically for such facilities.

“The Olympic Association has not been provided with the necessary infrastructure so far. No funds have been allocated exclusively for Olympic infrastructure until now,” he said.

The Minister added that the government was currently carrying out review and assessment exercises across sectors, including sports, to identify gaps in infrastructure and improve facilities. The initiative, he said, forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen public institutions and create better infrastructure for future generations of athletes.

–IANS

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