In a conversation with South First, Abdurahiman reflects on these topics and shares insights into his journey and vision for Kerala.
Published Nov 25, 2024 | 4:06 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 25, 2024 | 4:06 PM
Kerala Minister V Abdurahiman. (Facebook)
Kerala Sports, Waqf, Haj Pilgrimage, Posts & Telegraphs, and Railways Minister V Abdurahiman is a pivotal figure in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government.
Once a stalwart of the Congress, where he served as an executive member of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and the vice-chairman of the Tirur Municipal Council during his 15-year tenure as a municipal councillor, Abdurahiman eventually parted ways with the party.
Since then, he carved a distinct path in Kerala politics, contesting as an LDF independent candidate. After a narrow loss in the 2014 general elections from Ponnani, he secured a decisive victory from the Tanur constituency in the 2016 and 2021 Assembly elections.
As the sports minister, he is at the centre of debates, including the buzz surrounding Argentine footballer Lionel Messi’s potential visit to Kerala. Beyond the headlines, his ministry has made strides in the sports sector that often go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, his role as the Waqf Minister has positioned him in the heart of critical discussions on the state’s Waqf land dispute. In a conversation with South First, Abdurahiman reflects on these topics and shares insights into his journey and vision for Kerala.
Q: Kerala’s football enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team. Will Messi be playing on Kerala’s grounds?
A: We had a discussion with the team, and the sponsors agreed to support the event. Further details will be announced after the Argentina football team officials’ visit to Kerala. The match is expected between October and November next year.
We hope that Lionel Messi will be part of the team, and the match date will be confirmed by representatives from the Argentine Football Association, who are expected to visit Kerala within the next one or two months.
All expenses for the event will be covered by the Gold and Silver Merchants Association and the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES).
The team’s arrival is confirmed, and no changes are expected. There are no technical issues with the Ministry of External Affairs. The visa application will need to be submitted according to the required procedure. This matter will also be discussed with the Union Minister of Sports.
Q: Which stadium will be chosen to welcome such a large team?
A: A final decision on the venue and stadium has not been made yet, as a thorough study is required before making a choice. Kochi is considered a relatively better option since accommodating a large crowd in cities like Kozhikode poses significant challenges.
For instance, even the Manjeri stadium has a capacity of just 20,000, which makes it an impractical option.
Ideally, a stadium with a minimum capacity of 50,000 would be more suitable. The final venue will be confirmed once the Argentine authorities arrive.
Q: For athletes in rural area, the “One Panchayat, One Playground” project was highly promising. What is the current status of this initiative?
A: In the 2020-2021 financial year, the Department of Local Self-Government conducted a statewide survey, which revealed the inadequacy of playgrounds in rural areas. The survey identified that 465 panchayats lacked playgrounds.
Since the current government assumed office, under the “One Panchayat, One Playground” scheme, the sports department, in collaboration with MLAs and local self-government institutions, has decided to construct playgrounds in 124 panchayats. Of these, the construction of four playgrounds has been completed. The construction of 20 playgrounds is in the final stages, while 40 more are already under construction.
Additionally, playgrounds have been built under the Plan Fund. The “One Panchayat, One Playground” project aims to do more than just build playgrounds in every panchayat across the state, it also aims to develop rural sports talent.
Q: The college sports league is the first of its kind in our country. Could you please elaborate on it?
A: The College Sports League is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Sports and the Department of Higher Education. The league will span three to six months and be divided into four zones across the state, with colleges grouped accordingly. Each participating college will establish its own sports club, fostering a vibrant sports culture on campus.
To facilitate coordination between the sports clubs, district committees will be formed, consisting of members from the District Sports Council, former sports stars, and representatives from the Department of Higher Education.
The league will initially feature football, cricket, volleyball, and kabaddi, with a professional structure to ensure high standards of organisation and competition.
Q: Have you noticed the complaints from students attending sports events in other states regarding the poor travel facilities on trains?
A: There have been no complaints from sports persons sent by the Sports Council or the Sports Directorate for events in other states. Any inconveniences reported seem to be related to private events associated with schools and the education department, specifically in the context of school sports. I will look further into these reports.
For sports stars sent by the Sports Council, we ensure that tickets are booked at least one month in advance and that accommodation and other arrangements are made earlier.
The issues arising are often due to tickets not being confirmed in advance. When travelling to North India, it is essential to confirm tickets before reaching the station.
I requested the Railways to allocate special coaches for Kerala sports teams travelling to competitions.
Q: What is your stance on the Munambam land dispute?
A: The government has appointed a judicial commission to look into the matter. As the chief minister stated, no one will be evicted from Munambam. The case is currently under consideration in court, and the issue will be addressed with the utmost priority.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
