Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Apr 1: Emerging star of Indian cricket, Mangalurean K L Rahul was felicitated at a ceremony hosted by the Mangaluru zone of Karnataka State Cricket Association here on Tuesday March 31 evening.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Rahul said that it was his dream to see a cricket stadium of international standards in his hometown Mangaluru.

"I have a dream, and that is to see a world-class cricket stadium in Mangaluru. I urge the Karnataka State Cricket Academy to take ample steps to make this happen," he said.

"There are many cricket fans in Mangaluru and it is my dream to play a match here," he added.

"I am presently experiencing the happiest moments of my life. Thanks to the support, encouragement, and constant guidance of my parents, teachers and physical trainers, I have been able to reach this stage in cricket today. I have always dreamed of becoming a cricketer. Some told me it was not possible, but even then I kept up my efforts and worked hard with full faith, because of which I am being recognized today," he said.

Recalling his first appearance in an international match in Australia, he said though he was disappointed with his debut, it spurred him to work harder, and he was happy that he could make a comeback with a century in the next match.

Addressing the gathering, KSCA treasurer Dayananda Pai said, "K L Rahul who has achieved several feats in cricket in a short span is an inspiration to budding cricketers. The KSCA will undertake a project to build a cricket stadium in Mangaluru. Within two years, the foundation will be laid."

KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel said that though land had been earmarked to build a cricket stadium in Mangaluru sometime back, the project did not materialize. "We will build a stadium this time round. We have already spoken to the DC about it," he said.

Winners of various cricket tournaments were felicitated on the occasion.

Brijesh Patel inspects land for cricket stadium

As promised, on Wednesday April 1, Brijesh Patel inspected a piece of land located behind PWD quarters at Bondel, for the proposed cricket stadium project.

After the inspection and discussions with officials, Brijesh Patel told media persons, "We came here to inspect the land to construct a stadium with all facilities. We needed more than 10 acres of land to build a world class stadium. Nehru Maidan here is a public ground and has no facilities, so we need a ground within the city that can accomodate everything. This place (Bondel) is very ideal.

"The grounds at Hubballi, Belagavi, Raichur and Mysuru are ready but a few things like lights and other facilities are pending," he added.

Speaking to media persons, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said, "Mangaluru city has to be utilized in all ways; but only one part of the city is growing. Hampankatta has become a commercial hub, the crowd and traffic congestion has to be reduced. In this regard we have taken many steps like the proposed DC office at Padil, Pumpwell bus stand, MUDA office at Urwa etc.
"The Rang Mandir work is going on. As Kavoor is near to airport, this place is very ideal for building a cricket stadium," he added.

"The Karnataka State Cricket Association wanted more than 30 acres of land to build a full-fledged stadium with all facilities. Now we have nine acres of land, which is ideal for a crowd capacity of up to 10,000 to 15,000. Out of nine acres, four acres of land will be used for stadium and the rest for building facilities. The proposal has to be accepted by the Karnataka State Cricket Association. There is not decision on the funds yet. Once the proposal is accepted by the state government, the work will start," the DC explained.