The Dasara CM Cup 2018, conducted jointly by the Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports (DYES), Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) and District Administration, in a revised format for the first time, was inaugurated at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and International athlete M.R. Poovamma last evening. A total of 23 games will be conducted at Mysuru and Shooting will be held at Bengaluru. The Chief Minister hoisted the games flag and along with International athlete Poovamma and other dignitaries, took salute from the participating teams during the march-past. Speaking while declaring the games open, Kumaraswamy expressed his happiness in inaugurating the Dasara CM Cup 2018 in Mysuru and wished all the sports persons good luck. He said that the Government in order to promote youth and sporting talent in the State have taken up various measures. He asked the participating sports persons to take Poovamma as an example, and follow her inspiring footsteps to glory in the National and International level. He asked the youngsters to work hard to achieve success. He said that the Government has for the first time allotted Rs.7 crores for sports out of which Rs.1 crore has been allocated for prize money. He also said that track suits have been distributed to the participating sports persons. Speaking on the occasion, International athlete Poovamma too expressed happiness for inaugurating the Meet and wished sports persons success. She said that the new format of the games improves the quality in participation and with the enhancement in prize money, the performing sports persons will be rewarded. In the inaugural day Lawn Tennis competition, in the women's section, S.B. Apoorva won the Singles title beating A. Vidula Reddy 7-5, 6-4 in the final. Vidula Reddy finished runner-up while H.C. Akansha secured the third place.
