Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 17: Chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the week-long State Games 2025 at Mangala Stadium on Friday, January 17.

The State Games 2025 will be held in Mangaluru and Udupi from January 17 to 23.

Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Siddaramaiah stated, “As many as 4,500 athletes are participating in 25 events at the State Games 2025, being held in Mangaluru and Udupi. The government has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for organizing the State Games, and such events are crucial for encouraging athletes. Winning and losing are common in any sport, but participation is key. We need to provide athletes with opportunities to compete; without these opportunities, it becomes difficult for them to excel in major events.”

He also mentioned, “We will discuss in the cabinet the possibility of granting grace marks to students who perform at the national and international levels. The government will also consider approving Rs 3 crore for the development of Mangala Stadium, along with 3% reservation in uniform-based government jobs and 2% reservation in non-uniform duties. Additionally, we will provide an extra Rs 25 lac for medal winners at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, bringing the total reward to Rs 50 lac. For Olympic medal winners, the reward will increase by Rs 1 crore, bringing the total to Rs 6 crore.”

In his speech, U T Khader said, “I take this opportunity to welcome all athletes from across the state of Karnataka to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. One of the main reasons for holding these games here is to encourage athletes from the region to participate and exhibit their talents in sports. I thank everyone involved in the organisation of these games.”

chairman of State Olympics Association Dr K Govindaraj, in his address said, “These games have been made possible only because of the hard work and coordination of officers from Dakshin Kannada and Udupi. In all around 4500 participants and competition officials will be part of these games. I must acknowledge and thank the chief minister, who also holds the sports ministry portfolio for his unconditional support to sports in the state. He has been instrumental in creating 3% job reservations for athletes in the state police and forest departments and 2% in other departments. This way they do not have to move to others states in search of jobs.”

District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundurao, in his address said, “It is a matter of pride for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi region that the State Games is being held here this year. It is important to promote sports among the youth of our state as it not only builds them as athletes but also helps them to maintain good health. I urge all athletes taking part in these games to practice well and bring out the best talents so that our state of Karnataka shines on the Indian and world stage. I wish all the participants all the very best.”

The games will feature 25 events across Mangaluru, Udupi, Manipal, and Bengaluru. Mangaluru will host 12 events, Udupi 8, Manipal 3, and Bengaluru 2. A total of 3,247 athletes will compete for 631 gold, 631 silver, and 827 bronze medals in the men’s and women’s categories.

Events in Mangaluru include badminton, basketball, fencing, football, handball, kho-kho, netball, swimming, volleyball, weightlifting, wushu, and taekwondo. Udupi and Manipal will host archery, athletics, boxing, cycling, judo, kabaddi, wrestling, kayaking, canoeing, hockey, lawn tennis, and table tennis. Gymnastics and shooting events will be held in Bengaluru.

The valedictory ceremony will be held at Ajjarkadu, Udupi, on January 23.

Prior to the inaugural function, a colorful procession was carried out from TMA Pai Hall to Mangala Stadium. Soon after the inaugural ceremony, a live concert by Guru Kiran was held. A firecracker and light show was also organized.

Schedule of Mangaluru events for State Games 2025:

• Badminton: January 21 and 22 at Marena Indoor Stadium, KMC Attavar
• Basketball: January 20 to 23 at U S Mallya Indoor Stadium
• Fencing: January 18 and 19 at U S Mallya Indoor Stadium
• Football: January 17 to 22 at Nehru Maidan
• Handball: January 21 to 23 at Mangala Stadium
• Kho Kho: January 21 to 23 at Nehru Maidan
• Netball: January 17 to 19 at Mangala Stadium
• Swimming: January 19 to 21 at Yemmekere
• Taekwondo: January 20 to 22 at State Employees Hall, Hampankatta
• Volleyball: January 20 to 23 at Mangala Stadium
• Weightlifting: January 17 to 19 at Ambedkar Bhavan, Urwa Store
• Wushu: January 17 and 19 at State Employees Hall, Hampankatta

Dignitaries present

MLC Ivan D'Souza, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Dr Bharath Y Shetty, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, Udupi deputy commissioner Vidya Kumari, police commissioner Anupam Agrawal, MLC Manjunath Bhandary and others were present.