Belagavi Set for Major Hockey Boost as MP Jagadish Shettar Backs Khelo India Stadium Proposal
Belagavi, June 25: Belagavi, long regarded as one of Karnataka’s traditional hockey hubs, is set to get a major boost in sports infrastructure with plans to develop a modern hockey ground under the Khelo India programme. The proposal received strong backing during a high-level meeting attended by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, officials of the Cantonment Board and representatives of Hockey Belagavi.
The meeting was led by senior BJP leader and Sakal Maratha Samaj leader Kiran Jadhav, who, along with office-bearers of Hockey Belagavi, met MP Jagadish Shettar and Cantonment Board CEO Sudam Manchanwar to discuss the long-pending demand for a dedicated hockey facility in the city.
Shettar Assures Full Support Under Khelo India
During the meeting, MP Jagadish Shettar assured that funds for the proposed hockey ground would be sought under the Union Government’s Khelo India scheme through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
He said he would personally pursue the proposal in New Delhi to secure both financial assistance and administrative approval.
“Our objective is to develop a world-class hockey ground in Belagavi and revive the city’s glorious hockey tradition,” Shettar said.
Cantonment Board to Forward Proposal
Responding positively to the demand, Cantonment Board CEO Sudam Manchanwar assured the delegation that the proposal would be processed and forwarded to the Central Government for approval at the earliest.
Executive Engineer Satish Manolkar was also present during the meeting and is expected to oversee the technical aspects of the project.
Reviving Belagavi’s Hockey Legacy
Belagavi has historically produced several accomplished hockey players and was once known for regularly hosting major hockey tournaments. Members of Hockey Belagavi said the proposed stadium would help revive the city’s sporting legacy and provide aspiring players with world-class infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Kiran Jadhav, Golappa Hosamani, Sudhakar Chalake (Secretary, Hockey Belagavi), Prakash Belgoji, Uttam Shinde, Namdev Sawant, Sagar Patil, Kavita Vesane, along with several office-bearers of Hockey Belagavi and sports enthusiasts.
Participants expressed confidence that with sustained follow-up by MP Jagadish Shettar and the efforts of Kiran Jadhav and Hockey Belagavi, the long-pending dream of a dedicated hockey stadium in Belagavi would soon become a reality and help nurture future international hockey players from the region.
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