Mandya (Karnataka): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday performed the Bhoomi Pooja and laid the foundation stone for a ₹14-crore multi-purpose indoor sports complex in Mandya district of Karnataka under the Government of India’s Khelo India scheme.
The sports complex will be constructed within the campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences at VC Farm in Mandya. Addressing the gathering during the ceremony, the two Union Ministers encouraged the youth of the district to strengthen the sporting culture and work towards making Mandya a hub for emerging sports talent under the slogan “Khelo India! Vibrant Mandya!”.
Several dignitaries attended the foundation-laying ceremony, including former Minister C.S. Puttaraju, Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, K.R. Pete MLA Manjunath, and senior district officials.
Mandya recognised for sporting talent
Speaking at the event, Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said the Khelo India initiative aims to revive sports culture at the grassroots level and transform India into a leading sporting nation.
He noted that the establishment of the indoor sports complex in Mandya was made possible through the efforts of his Cabinet colleague H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Mandaviya also highlighted Mandya’s sporting achievements, recalling athletes such as discus thrower Vikas Gowda and wheelchair tennis player K.P. Shilpa, who have brought recognition to the district at national and international levels. He said Shilpa, currently India’s number-one wheelchair tennis player, continues to bring pride to the country through her achievements.
Expressing optimism, the Union Minister said the new sports infrastructure would help nurture more young athletes from the region.
He also noted that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly strengthened India’s sports ecosystem in recent years. In the latest Union Budget, ₹4,000 crore has been allocated for sports development compared to ₹1,200 crore about a decade ago.
CSR initiatives support welfare programmes
On the occasion, electric vehicles were distributed to 388 persons with disabilities under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives supported by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
In addition, 500 desktops and 100 laptops donated by Infosys were handed over to government schools in the district. A modern ambulance provided by the Hinduja Group under CSR support was also presented to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS).
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy became emotional while distributing the electric vehicles to beneficiaries, expressing gratitude to those who had travelled from distant places to receive the support.
Blessings and traditional welcome
Jagadguru Sri Dr Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, Pontiff of the Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana, graced the occasion and offered his blessings.
Several leaders, including former Ministers C.S. Puttaraju and D.C. Thammanna, former MLA Dr K. Annadani, MLC Vivekananda, and Mandya District JD(S) President Ramesh, were also present.
Following the Bhoomi Pooja ceremony, the two Union Ministers were taken to the venue of the stage programme in a procession. At the entrance of VC Farm, supporters welcomed them with a large garland made of jaggery, a product for which Mandya is widely known. Kumaraswamy explained to Mandaviya the significance of Mandya’s famous jaggery, which is regarded for its quality across the region.
