Dakshina Kannada district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday chaired a preliminary meeting to ensure smooth preparations for the Chief Minister’s Mangalore India International Badminton Tournament 2025. Organised jointly by the Karnataka Badminton Association (KBA) and Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association (DKBA), the tournament is scheduled to be held at the Urwa Indoor Stadium from October 27 to November 2. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to inaugurate the event.
Financial support and event scale
Minister Rao confirmed that the state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the tournament. “Such an event is being held in Karnataka for the first time. We must make all preparations for its success, as over 450 national and international players are expected to participate,” he said. The estimated total cost of organising the tournament is Rs 2.8 crore, with officials and organisers tasked to mobilise additional funds from private and public sector industries, banks, educational institutes, and CREDAI.
Infrastructure and city preparations
The minister emphasised that the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) should focus on cleanliness and beautification of the stadium and surrounding areas, including repair works for roads and footpaths. All pending works at the Urwa Indoor Stadium, including gym facilities, must be completed ahead of the event. Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V directed the deployment of a health inspector at the venue to ensure hygiene standards, while the health department is expected to station an ambulance and medical team at the stadium during the tournament.
Cultural and promotional activities
Rao suggested that cultural programmes should complement the sporting event, adding that a curtain-raiser function could be organised at an attractive location such as a beach to create buzz. DKBA president Sathosh Kumar Shetty said the Badminton World Federation (BWF) approved the tournament as an international challenge, based on recommendations from the Badminton Association of India and Karnataka Badminton Association.
Promoting Mangaluru as a sports hub
Association general secretary Supreeth Alva noted that hosting the event would help brand Mangaluru as a global sports and tourism hub. The tournament, being part of the BWF international challenge circuit, will also contribute to players’ global rankings, attracting competitive athletes from across the world.
Conclusion
With government backing, active involvement of local authorities, and cultural promotions alongside the sporting events, Mangaluru is poised to host a landmark international badminton tournament, showcasing the city on a global stage.