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Ministry of Heavy Industries
Union ministers Dr Mansukh Madnaviya and Shir
H D Kumaraswamy lays foundation of indoor
sports complex in Mandya in Karnataka
Posted On: 15 MAR 2026 8:51AM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports 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 sanctioned for Mandya in
Karnataka under the Khelo India scheme of the Government of India.
The new facility is coming up within the campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences at VC Farm in
Mandya. While laying the foundation stone, the two ministers called upon the youth of the district to
strengthen sports culture in Mandya in line with the slogan “Khelo India! Vibrant Mandya!”, and to
produce more champions from the region.
On this occasion, both Union Ministers participated in the ceremonial rituals of the foundation-laying
programme. Former Minister C.S. Puttaraju, Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, K.R. Pete MLA
Manjunath, along with several public representatives and senior district officials, were present.Mandya praised for sporting achievements
Addressing the gathering during the stage programme, Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
said that the Khelo India initiative is a national programme launched by the Central Government to revive
sports culture at the grassroots level and transform India into a leading sporting nation.
The Sports Minister stated that the establishment of this well-equipped sports complex in Mandya has
been made possible through the efforts of his Cabinet colleague and NDA leader H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Addressing Kumaraswamy, Mandaviya said that the affection shown by the people reflects the work he
has done for them.
He also appreciated Kumaraswamy’s compassion and commitment toward persons with disabilities.
Mandaviya said that he had personally witnessed Kumaraswamy’s concern for the specially-abled and
described the initiative of distributing electric vehicles as highly commendable.
He noted that such efforts not only help persons with disabilities in their daily lives but also contribute
positively to environmental protection.
Mandaviya further said that Mandya has produced several sportspersons who have brought recognition not
only to the state but also to the country at national and international levels. He recalled athletes such as
Vikas Gowda and K.P. Shilpa, who have enhanced the reputation of Mandya.
In particular, he highlighted wheelchair tennis player Shilpa, who is currently India’s number-one
wheelchair tennis player and has been bringing glory to the country both nationally and internationally.
Expressing hope, he said that many more talented sportspersons should emerge from Mandya in the
coming years.
The Union Minister also stated that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked
extensively over the past eleven years to strengthen the sports ecosystem in India. In the latest Union
Budget, ₹4,000 crore has been allocated to strengthen sports infrastructure, compared to ₹1,200 crore a
decade ago, effectively increasing the allocation more than threefold.
Blessings from Adichunchanagiri seerJagadguru Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, Pontiff of the Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana,
graced the occasion and delivered his blessings.
Several dignitaries, including former Ministers C.S. Puttaraju and D.C. Thammanna, MLA Manjunath,
former MLA Dr. K. Annadani, MLC Vivekananda, Mandya District JD(S) President Ramesh, and many
other leaders were present.
Distribution of electric vehicles for persons with disabilities
Following the stage programme, electric vehicles were distributed to 388 persons with disabilities. The
vehicles were provided under the CSR initiatives of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the Steel
Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Additionally, 500 desktops and 100 laptops donated by Infosys were handed over to government schools.
A state-of-the-art ambulance donated under the CSR initiative of the Hinduja Group was also presented to
the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS).
Emotional moment for Kumaraswamy
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy became emotional while handing over electric vehicles to persons
with disabilities. As the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to him while receiving the vehicles, the
Minister was visibly moved. With tears in his eyes, Kumaraswamy thanked everyone who had travelled
from distant places to receive the vehicles.
Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the seer of Adichunchanagiri Math, and several other dignitaries
witnessed this emotional moment.
Grand jaggery garland welcome
After performing the Bhoomi Pooja for the indoor stadium, the two Union Ministers were taken to the
stage programme in a grand open-vehicle procession.
At the VC Farm gate, supporters welcomed them with a massive garland made of jaggery, a specialty of
Mandya. Mandaviya was visibly surprised by this unique welcome.
Kumaraswamy explained to him the significance and reputation of Mandya’s jaggery, which is widely
known for its quality.
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