Thu Jan 23 20:55:44 IST 2025: ## Karnataka Crowns its Best Athletes at State Games 2025
**Udupi, Karnataka – January 24, 2025** – The Karnataka State Games 2025 concluded Thursday in Udupi with a valedictory ceremony honoring the state’s top athletes. Zafar Khan of Belagavi district was named the best male athlete, scoring an impressive 1,016 points, while Niollo Anna Cornelio of Bengaluru secured the best female athlete title with 1,005 points. Both received their awards from Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.
Governor Gehlot lauded the importance of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and mental well-being. He highlighted the central government’s support for sports initiatives like Khelo India, and praised the Karnataka government’s commitment to supporting athletes through incentives and job reservations.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara dispelled the misconception that sports hinder academic performance, citing his own experience as an example. He advocated for Tumakuru to host the next State Games, highlighting the city’s newly built stadium.
K. Govindaraju, president of the Karnataka Olympics Association, emphasized sports’ role in transcending social barriers and promoting a healthy lifestyle. He praised Karnataka’s pioneering 3% reservation in police and forest departments for sports achievers and urged making sports compulsory in pre-university education.
The event, held successfully from January 17th, saw participation from various officials, including Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, who requested a new cricket stadium for the district. The successful conclusion of the games was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district administrations, the Sports and Youth Services Department, and other stakeholders.
First Piper 