Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 22: Foundation stone will be laid for the construction of indoor stadium of international standard for Kabaddi and badminton in the city on Thursday March 22. The project, a dream child of MLA, J R Lobo, will add another feather to the cap of the city, which is being groomed into a smart city.

The foundation stone will be laid for this project near Urwa Market in the city at 4 pm today. The stadium, which will be known as 'Mangala Badminton and Kabaddi Stadium', is being built at a total outlay of Rs 6.5 crore. State minister for sports, Pramod Madhwaraj, will lay the foundation stone at a programme which will be chaired by district in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai.

The city already has 'Srinivas Mallya Indoor Stadium' with four badminton courts. However, taking into account the number of enthusiasts for this sport, it has become impossible to provide training to all the aspirants, as a result of which many budding talents lose the opportunity of sharpening their skills. Considering this problem, Lobo had requested the department of youth services and sports department, urging it to construct a well-equipped multi-sports complex here to encourage sports further. The government responded to his request and released grant.

Although the city does not have a Kabaddi stadium with all facilities at present, the coast has seen many Kabaddi players like Sukesh Hegde, Rishank Devadiga, Prashanth Rai, Sachin, Mamata Poojary etc who have excelled at national and international levels.

The new complex ,it is hoped, will be able to provide an opportunity to badminton and Kabaddi players to hone their talent further.