‘Khelo India’ boost for Mandya as Centre okays multi-purpose sports facility

In what has been described as a boost to sports infrastructure in the State, the Union government has sanctioned ₹14 crore for the construction of a multi-purpose sports facility in Mandya district under the Khelo India scheme, following the intervention of Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is the Mandya MP.

The sanction comes after Mr. Kumaraswamy wrote to Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya seeking support for the project and highlighting the sporting potential of Mandya.

Administrative approval has been granted for the construction of a multi-purpose indoor sporting hall at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, with an approved cost of ₹14 crore.

In his letter to Dr. Mandaviya, Mr. Kumaraswamy underlined the urgent need for a modern stadium in Mandya. “The proposed stadium aims to benefit local athletes, sports teams, and the community at large by promoting physical activity, encouraging sports development, and fostering social interaction,” he said.

He emphasised that the facility will serve as a major addition to the district’s sports infrastructure and can host national and international sporting events, apart from boosting tourism and the local economy.

Highlighting Mandya’s sporting legacy, Mr. Kumaraswamy said: “Several players from Mandya district have represented the State and the country at both national and international levels. Many athletes are currently undergoing training at national camps.”

Seeking support under the Khelo India scheme, Mr. Kumarasawamy sought the allocation of funds and noted that the estimated project cost is ₹14 crore. “The project will make a meaningful difference to the sporting community of the region,” he expressed.

The Union Minister expressed gratitude to Dr. Mandaviya for responding positively and approving the project. “I sincerely thank the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports for his prompt support and for sanctioning this important project for Mandya under the Khelo India scheme,” he said.

“The development highlights Mr. Kumaraswamy’s commitment to grassroots development beyond his ministerial responsibilities towards heavy industries and steel. His direct intervention ensured that Mandya received a major infrastructure project benefiting youth and sportspersons,” a press release from his office said.

The new sporting facility will provide world-class infrastructure to train young athletes, host district and State-level competitions, and promote fitness among the general public.

“This sanction marks a significant development for Mandya and reflects the Centre’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure. With construction set to begin soon, the sports facility is expected to nurture young talent, encourage community participation and place Mandya firmly on the sporting map of Karnataka,” the release stated.