2 key clearances obtained for Messi’s Kerala visit: Minister V Abdurahiman

Thiruvananthapuram: Two essential clearances have been received for the coming of the Argentina football team, which includes Lionel Messi, to play in Kerala, Sports Minister V Abdurahiman informed the assembly on Tuesday.

In response to the discussion on the need for funding for the fiscal year 2025-26, Abdurahiman stated that clearances from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Union Sports Ministry had been acquired.

“Further formalities are in progress and more updates will be provided once all necessary procedures are completed,” the minister said. Abdurahiman said in November of last year that Messi and the Argentina team would visit Kerala to play two friendly matches in 2025. Abdurahiman also informed the parliament that an international football stadium is being developed at the Malappuram-Kozhikode border. “The Calicut University has agreed to provide 35 acres of land for the purpose and the construction will begin soon,” he said, TNIE reported.

He also targeted Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha and the Kerala Olympic Association for the state's poor performance in the last National Games.

While Usha intervened to remove Kalaripayattu from the schedule of events, the state Olympic association made amendments to the two teams submitted by the state sports council. “As a result, the state could not win up to 21 gold medals at the National Games,” he said.

Abdurahiman stated that the state sports department's 'One Playground in One Panchayat' program received national recognition during a meeting of state sports ministers convened by the Centre last week.

Abdurahiman stated that Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has directed that Kerala's proposal be implemented across the country. The state government initiative aims to promote sportsmanship and keep youngsters away from substance misuse.

The minister stated that the adoption of e-certification for sportspeople to combat malpractice and corruption will be used as a model for nationwide implementation.

References to the state's sports strategy for 2023 have been put into the national sports policy being approved by the Centre, he stated. Abdurhiman also stated that beginning with the next academic year, sports lessons will be included in primary school textbooks.