Karnataka announces major sports infrastructure upgrades and regional tournaments

Karnataka is advancing several sports initiatives, including the hosting of the South India Badminton Tournament in Raichur from September 5 to 8. Organized by the Karnataka Badminton Association, the event is expected to draw 250 to 300 athletes from seven states and union territories, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The tournament will be held at the Mahatma Gandhi Indoor Stadium to provide greater exposure to athletes in rural and Kalyana Karnataka regions.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara announced plans to upgrade Bengaluru’s Kanteerava Stadium at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crores as part of an effort to establish Karnataka as a leading sporting state. The government is also implementing policies to support athletes, including a 3% reservation in Karnataka police recruitment and financial incentives for medal winners and Commonwealth Games participants.