Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy laying the foundation stone for the ₹14 crore multi-purpose indoor sports complex at VC Farm in Mandya on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a ₹14 crore multi-purpose indoor sports complex at VC Farm in Mandya.
A statement issued here said that the sports complex approved for Mandya under the Government of India’s Khelo India scheme will come up on the premises of the University of Agricultural Sciences at VC Farm in Mandya.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Sports Minister said that the Khelo India initiative is a national program that seeks to revive sports culture at the grassroots level and transform India into a leading sporting nation.
Asserting that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has been working hard to strengthen the sports ecosystem in the country for the past eleven years, Mr. Mandaviya said that in the last Union Budget, ₹ 4,000 crore was allocated for strengthening sports infrastructure compared to ₹ 1,200 trillion a decade ago.
Mr. Mandaviya further said that Mandya has produced several sportspersons who have brought recognition not only to the state but also to the country at the national and international levels. He said sportspersons like Vikas Gowda and KP Shilpa have improved the reputation of Mandya.
He also highlighted wheelchair tennis player Shilpa who is bringing glory to the country at national and international level.
He hoped that many more talented athletes would emerge from Mandya in the coming years.
Mr. Kumaraswamy also joined Mr. Mandaviya in exhorting the youth of Mandya district to strengthen the sports culture in the district in line with the slogan “Khelo India! Vibrant Mandya!” and produce more champions from the region, the statement said.
Distribution of electric cars
During the podium program organized on the occasion, electric vehicles were distributed to 388 persons with disabilities.
The vehicles were provided as part of CSR initiatives by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a statement issued by Mr Kumaraswamy’s office said.
“Furthermore, 500 desktop computers and 100 laptops donated by Infosys were handed over to government schools. Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) was also presented with a state-of-the-art ambulance donated under Hinduja Group’s CSR initiative,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mandaviya appreciated Mr. Kumaraswamy’s compassion and dedication towards the disabled and said he had personally seen the JD(S) leader’s concern for the specially-abled and described the electric vehicle distribution initiative as highly commendable.
He noted that these efforts not only help people with disabilities in their daily lives, but also contribute positively to the protection of the environment.
Jaggery Garland
Following the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone of the indoor stadium, the two union ministers were taken to the stage in a procession of open cars.
“At the gate of VC Farm, supporters welcomed them with a massive garland made of jaggery, a specialty of Mandya. Mr. Mandaviya was visibly surprised by this unique welcome,” a press statement said.
Mr. Kumaraswamy explained to him the importance and reputation of Mandy’s jaggery, which is widely known for its quality, the statement added.
Published – 14 March 2026 19:50 IST
