New Delhi, Delhi, 15th of March, 2026 : 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 seer
Jagadguru 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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