In a significant boost for sports infrastructure in Karnataka, the Union Government has approved a substantial grant of Rs 14 crore for constructing a state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor sports facility in Mandya district. This development comes under the central government's flagship Khelo India scheme, aimed at promoting grassroots sports.
Minister's Push and Project Location
The sanction for this major project followed persistent efforts by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who represents the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency. The facility is proposed to be built on one acre of land earmarked at the University of Agricultural Sciences' VC Farm premises. Initially, officials considered locations within Mandya city limits for easier access but faced significant challenges due to land constraints, leading to the final selection of the university farm site.
A Hub for All-Weather Sports
The envisioned indoor stadium is designed to be a comprehensive sports hub, catering to a variety of indoor disciplines. The facility will host games like:
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Table Tennis
It will also accommodate other sports suitable for all-weather play, ensuring year-round training and competition opportunities. The primary objective is to nurture budding sportspersons from the region and encourage an active lifestyle among students, youth, and the general public.
Expected Impact and Future Potential
Upon completion, the stadium is poised to significantly strengthen the district's sports ecosystem. Union Minister Kumaraswamy emphasized the project's broad benefits, stating it aims to "benefit local athletes, sports teams, and the community at large by promoting physical activity, encouraging sports development, and fostering social interaction."
He further highlighted that this facility would be a major addition to Mandya's sports infrastructure. Beyond local use, it has the potential to host national and international sporting events. This capability is expected to provide a substantial boost to local tourism and stimulate the district's economy, creating a lasting legacy for sports in the region.
