Hubballi's Nandeshwar Layout to Get Rs 14 Crore Khelo India Stadium
A major sports infrastructure project is in the works for Hubballi, with a proposal submitted to construct a well-equipped stadium on more than three acres of land at Nandeshwar Layout in Nava Nagar. The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has drawn up a plan costing Rs 14 crore to benefit from the central government's Khelo India scheme, aiming to address the critical lack of sports facilities in the central part of the twin cities.
Addressing a Longstanding Sports Infrastructure Gap
At present, the area suffers from a severe shortage of proper grounds for athletes, causing significant problems for daily sports activities. The elderly and women currently rely on the BRTS Chigari corridor and local parks for walking, while aspiring athletes are forced to travel to Dharwad or other Hubballi grounds for practice. This absence of suitable facilities has left local residents deeply dissatisfied.
The proposed stadium is expected to benefit numerous surrounding areas, including Nava Nagar, Amargol, Gamanagatti, Sangolli Rayanna Nagar, and Bhairidevarakoppa. The initiative was submitted to the Centre under the leadership of MLA Aravind Bellad, specifically designed to provide a dedicated ground for people living in the central part of the twin cities and for athletes across the region.
Current Condition and Transformation Plans
The existing ground, spanning more than three acres, is currently in a poor state—filled with mounds of dirt and rubbish, lacking minimum sports facilities, and often used for vehicle parking. Despite these challenges, some youth continue to play cricket and other games on the site, though it remains unsuitable for professional athletes.
Nagavva Doddamani, a resident of Nandeshwar Colony, noted that the location was originally a lake that dried up about twenty years ago. Approximately two years back, the lake bed was converted into a ground. "Several facilities are needed to properly convert it into a stadium," she emphasized, highlighting that children and youth have been using the space informally for sports despite its limitations.
Official Support and Comprehensive Development Vision
Sunita Malavadakar, HDMC Ward No 27 corporator, confirmed that a proposal has been submitted to the central government for constructing a well-equipped stadium in Navanagar. "A proposal was already submitted to the Centre under the leadership of MLA Aravind Bellad. The plan was made specifically to encourage youth participation in sports," she stated.
The vision extends beyond basic infrastructure, with plans to develop all types of sports, both indoor and outdoor. Malavadakar added that youth in the area are already actively engaged in various games, and the new stadium aims to further boost this enthusiasm by providing professional-grade facilities. The comprehensive plan is designed to make the ground usable for both professional athletes and local community sports, transforming a neglected space into a hub of athletic activity and community wellness.
