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Mangaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday announced that the Karnataka government will train 60 selected sportspersons for the Olympics, offering financial assistance of ₹10 lakh each to encourage sporting excellence across the state. He made the announcement while inaugurating the Chief Minister’s Mangaluru India International Challenge 2025 badminton tournament at the Urwa Indoor Stadium on October 27. Boosting Olympic dreams “The nation takes pride when medals are won at national, international, or Olympic events. India, despite being the most populous country, still lags in Olympic medals. Hence, the government will extend all possible support to our sportspersons,” Siddaramaiah said. He further revealed that 2% of jobs in various government departments will be reserved for medal winners at the Olympics, Paralympics, and other international tournaments. Additionally, the state will reward gold medallists with ₹5 crore, silver medallists with ₹3 crore, and bronze medallists with ₹2 crore. The reservation quota for sportspersons in DYSP and other police posts has also been raised from 2% to 3%, he added. Praising badminton legends Highlighting the contribution of Indian badminton icons, Siddaramaiah praised Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand for laying the foundation of the sport in India, and lauded Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu for bringing Olympic glory. “I hope talented players from Mangaluru will also shine on the global stage,” he remarked. Completion of Urwa Indoor Stadium The Chief Minister recalled laying the foundation stone for the Urwa indoor stadium during his previous term. “The project was initially planned at a cost of ₹35 crore, but the BJP government reduced it to ₹20 crore and delayed its completion. After becoming CM again, I ensured its completion,” he said. Sports infrastructure for Mangaluru District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, the chief guest, said the new stadium gives Mangaluru international-level facilities. “Just like Bengaluru, Mangaluru must also develop. Promoting sports, tourism, and cultural events will help achieve that goal,” he added. Karnataka Badminton Association president Manoj Kumar thanked the government for its support and revealed plans to establish a world-class badminton coaching centre in Bengaluru. Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association president Santosh Kumar Shetty welcomed the gathering. International participation Over 450 players, including 48 international participants from 12 countries such as the USA, UAE, England, Canada, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Thailand, have registered for the tournament. The matches will be held in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. Referee Ali from the Maldives is serving as the chief referee, with Rajiv Mehta, Rajesh Shekhar, and Bala assisting as chief umpires. The tournament, hosted by the Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association, will run till November 2, with organizers providing full facilities, including accommodation and meals. A light-hearted note Reminiscing about his school days, Siddaramaiah shared with a smile, “I played badminton, kabaddi, and football during school, but I never excelled in any sport — that’s why I didn’t continue in sports.”
