Mandya: Union ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and H.D. Kumaraswamy laid the foundation stone for the Mandya indoor sports complex in Karnataka under the Khelo India scheme.
The ₹14-crore multi-purpose facility will come up inside the University of Agricultural Sciences campus at VC Farm in Mandya. During the ceremony, the ministers urged the youth to strengthen sports culture in the district.
They also encouraged young athletes to pursue sports under the slogan “Khelo India! Vibrant Mandya!” and produce more champions from the region.
Several public representatives and district officials attended the ceremony. Former minister C.S. Puttaraju, Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah and K.R. Pete MLA Manjunath were also present.
Mandya indoor sports complex aims to boost local sports talent
Addressing the gathering, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said the Khelo India programme aims to revive sports culture at the grassroots level. He added that the initiative will help transform India into a leading sporting nation.
Mandaviya said the Mandya indoor sports complex became possible due to the efforts of his cabinet colleague H.D. Kumaraswamy. He also praised Kumaraswamy’s work for people in the region.
The minister appreciated Kumaraswamy’s efforts to support persons with disabilities. He noted that the distribution of electric vehicles helped improve mobility and also supported environmental protection.
Mandaviya also highlighted Mandya’s achievements in sports. He said athletes such as Vikas Gowda and K.P. Shilpa brought recognition to the district and the country.
He particularly mentioned wheelchair tennis player Shilpa, who currently ranks as India’s number one in the category and has achieved success internationally.
The Union Minister said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strengthened the sports ecosystem over the past decade. In the latest Union Budget, the government allocated ₹4,000 crore for sports infrastructure compared to ₹1,200 crore a decade ago.
Jagadguru Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana also attended the event and delivered his blessings.
After the ceremony, organisers distributed electric vehicles to 388 persons with disabilities. The vehicles were provided through CSR initiatives of Tata Consultancy Services and Steel Authority of India Limited.
Additionally, government schools received 500 desktops and 100 laptops donated by Infosys. A modern ambulance donated by the Hinduja Group was also presented to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences.
During the programme, Kumaraswamy became emotional while handing over vehicles to beneficiaries. He thanked those who travelled long distances to receive the assistance.
Earlier, supporters welcomed the ministers in an open-vehicle procession. At the VC Farm gate, they honoured them with a large garland made of Mandya’s famous jaggery.
