Focus on creating ‘Messis’ in Kerala, not just bringing Messi: O.J. Janeesh
Kerala's Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh has announced a shift in policy to prioritize grassroots sports infrastructure over hosting expensive international celebrity events. The government aims to foster local talent and address youth issues like mobile addiction through improved access to playgrounds.
Why it matters
The policy reflects a growing trend in regional governance to prioritize long-term social and physical health outcomes over high-cost, short-term promotional events.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O.J. Janeesh has said that the government’s priority is to nurture sporting talent within Kerala rather than spend heavily on bringing global icons like footballer Lionel Messi to the State. Speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ programme organised by the Thrissur Press Club on Friday, the Minister said while Messi’s visit would be welcome, it would require massive expenditure on infrastructure. “Instead of spending crores to host a single event, we should invest that money in creating many ‘Messis’ in Kerala,” he said.
The article presents the minister's policy goals and the rationale behind them without editorializing.
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