Mangaluru: The Baptist Sports Foundation and Baptist Badminton Academy, Urwastore, Mangaluru, will organise the Independence Cup 2026, an Udupi and Dakshina Kannada inter-district badminton tournament, on August 16 at the US Mallya Indoor Stadium, Lalbagh.

The tournament, being conducted in loving memory of Late Dr. Kishore Kumar C.K., aims to bring together badminton players from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts while providing a platform to celebrate sporting talent and encourage participation in badminton.

The inaugural programme is scheduled for 10 am on August 16, 2026, at the US Mallya Indoor Stadium. The event is being organised under the banner of the Baptist Sports Foundation and Baptist Badminton Academy, Urwastore.

Tournament organised in memory of Dr. Kishore Kumar C.K.

The Independence Cup 2026 is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Kishore Kumar C.K., whose contribution and association with the sporting community are being remembered through the tournament.

The organisers have invited badminton enthusiasts, players, sports personalities and members of the public to attend the event and extend their support to the participating players.

The tournament is expected to provide an opportunity for badminton talent from the two neighbouring coastal districts to come together in a competitive sporting environment.

Pradeep D’Souza to be chief guest

Mr Pradeep D’Souza, Deputy Director, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Dakshina Kannada, will be the chief guest for the inaugural programme.

Ms Aruna Kishore, Advocate, will perform the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

The event will also feature several guests of honour representing the badminton and sports fraternity.

They include Mr Santosh Kumar Shetty, President, Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association; Mr Suprith Alva, Secretary, Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association; and Mr Ravindra Bhandary, President, Mangaluru Badminton Association.

The organisers have also invited Mr Sudheesh P K, International Badminton Player; Mr Ivan Pinto, Sports Promoter; and Ms Nishkala Poojary, Sports Nutritionist, as guests of honour.

Their presence is expected to add significance to the tournament and provide encouragement to the players participating in the inter-district competition.

Promoting badminton through competitive sport

The Independence Cup 2026 reflects the efforts of the Baptist Sports Foundation and Baptist Badminton Academy to promote badminton and provide opportunities for players to participate in organised competitions.

Inter-district sporting events can provide athletes with opportunities to test their abilities against players from different clubs and institutions while gaining valuable competitive experience.

For young and emerging badminton players, such tournaments can also serve as platforms to interact with experienced players and sports professionals. The presence of representatives from the Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru badminton associations further strengthens the tournament’s connection with the local sporting community.

The involvement of a sports nutritionist and sports promoter among the invited guests also highlights the broader ecosystem surrounding competitive sport, where physical preparation, professional guidance and sustained encouragement contribute to an athlete’s development.

Baptist Sports Foundation extends invitation

The President and members of Baptist Sports Foundation and Baptist Badminton Academy, Urwastore, have extended an invitation to the public to attend the Independence Cup 2026.

The tournament is being presented as an occasion to celebrate sporting spirit while remembering Dr Kishore Kumar C.K. The organisers believe that the presence and blessings of well-wishers will provide additional encouragement to the players and those involved in conducting the event.

The tournament also comes during the Independence Day season, giving it a national and sporting theme centred on participation, discipline and healthy competition.

Coastal districts set for badminton showcase

With players from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada coming together, the Independence Cup 2026 will provide a platform for badminton enthusiasts in the coastal region to witness inter-district competition.

Mangaluru has a strong sporting culture, with badminton being among the popular indoor sports in the region. The tournament at the US Mallya Indoor Stadium will bring the badminton community together while providing an opportunity to recognise and encourage players.

Beyond the competition itself, the event seeks to promote the importance of sports and active participation among people in the region. Tournaments of this nature can help create greater awareness about badminton and encourage aspiring players to pursue the sport with dedication.

The Independence Cup 2026, conducted in memory of Late Dr Kishore Kumar C.K., thus combines sporting competition with remembrance and community participation. With the support of sports associations, professionals, players and well-wishers, the organisers are looking forward to making the inter-district tournament a meaningful celebration of badminton in coastal Karnataka.

The tournament will be held on August 16, 2026, from 10 am at US Mallya Indoor Stadium, Lalbagh, Mangaluru.