Mangaluru’s sporting infrastructure received a major boost as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently inaugurated a world-class indoor stadium at Urwa. Developed under the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) initiative, the facility is now awaiting official transfer to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) for full-scale operations to commence.
Built at a cost of ₹36 crore on 1.1 acres belonging to DYES, the four-storey, 1,300 sq ft stadium was conceptualized to meet national standards, with a special focus on badminton and kabaddi. The foundation was laid on November 2, 2021, and construction has since been completed.
Pradeep D’Souza, Deputy Director of the DYES, stated that the handover process is in progress. “MSCL has sent a formal request to the department. A clearance from the government is awaited. Post-handover, a committee headed by the deputy commissioner will chart out a long-term maintenance plan,” he explained.
Once operational, the department may choose to manage the stadium directly—collecting fees and rent from its 34 commercial units—or outsource management through a private agency, pending a final decision from the state.
The stadium is equipped with six badminton courts on the ground floor, three of which can be converted into kabaddi courts, and five exclusive badminton courts on the third floor. It also features seating for 800 spectators, modern locker rooms, lifts, a gym, dormitory, cafeteria, and ample parking for both two- and four-wheelers.
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