Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 27: Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state government has decided to train 60 selected sportspersons for the Olympics, providing Rs 10 lac each as part of its initiative to encourage sporting excellence.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Chief Minister’s Mangaluru India International Challenge 2025 badminton tournament at the Urwa indoor stadium on Monday, October 27.
“The nation takes pride when medals are won in national, international, or Olympic events. India is the most populous country in the world but still lags in Olympic medals. Hence, the state government has decided to extend all possible support to sportspersons,” the chief minister said.
He further announced that 2% of jobs in various state government departments will be reserved for medal winners at the Olympics, Paralympics, and other international sporting events. Additionally, gold medal winners will receive Rs 5 crore, silver medalists Rs 3 crore, and bronze medalists Rs 2 crore as incentives from the government. “We have also increased the reservation for sportspersons in DYSP and other police posts from 2% to 3%,” he added.
Speaking about the importance of badminton, Siddaramaiah praised legends Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand for laying the foundation of badminton in India and lauded players Saina Nehwal and P V Sindhu for making the nation proud with Olympic medals. “I hope talented players from Mangaluru will also shine on the global stage,” he said.
Recalling his earlier tenure as chief minister, Siddaramaiah mentioned that he had laid the foundation stone for the Urwa indoor stadium during his previous government and inaugurated it now. “The project was planned at a cost of Rs 35 crore, but the BJP government reduced it to Rs 20 crore and delayed its completion. After becoming CM again, I ensured its completion,” he stated.
District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who was the chief guest, said the new indoor stadium provides Mangaluru with international-level sports infrastructure. “Just like Bengaluru, Mangaluru too must develop, and promoting sports will help achieve that goal. Combining sports, culture, tourism, and events like surfing and kite festivals will accelerate the city’s growth,” he remarked.
Karnataka Badminton Association president Manoj Kumar, in his introductory address, said, “Last year, the state government permitted us to host the senior championship. Now, with government support, we are organizing an international badminton tournament. The association also plans to establish a top-class coaching centre in Bengaluru.”
Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association president Santosh Kumar Shetty welcomed the gathering.
Former ministers Ramanath Rai and Abhaychandra Jain, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, MLCs Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D’Souza, KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai, district Congress president Harish Kumar, Konkani Academy president Stany Alvares, Tulu Academy president Taranath Gatti, Karavali Development Authority chairman M A Ghafoor, and several dignitaries were present.
Badminton achievers Arun Poovayya and Ashok Poovayya were felicitated on the occasion.
“Badminton is one of the most popular games in the world. I too played badminton, kabaddi, and football during my school days, but I never excelled in any sport — that’s why I didn’t continue in the field of sports,” Siddaramaiah recalled humorously.
The Chief Minister’s Mangaluru India International Challenge 2025 badminton tournament, hosted by the Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association, will continue till November 2. Over 450 players have registered, including 48 international players from 12 countries such as the USA, UAE, England, Canada, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Matches will be held in men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
Players began their practice sessions on Monday, with organizers providing all necessary facilities, including meals. Experienced referees have been appointed, with Ali from the Maldives serving as the chief referee, and Rajiv Mehta, Rajesh Shekhar, and Bala assisting as chief umpires.