Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna visited the site proposed for a sports training centre at V. Badaga village in the district, along with journalists, and briefed them on the future course of action.
The visit followed an initiative by the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association, which toured V. Badaga to gain first-hand information about the proposed project.
Speaking to reporters, Ponnanna said that a comprehensive sports complex is planned on 11.5 acres of land at V. Badaga village. The proposed facilities include an athletic track, hockey turf, volleyball and tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a shooting range. He added that a Bhoomi Pooja would be conducted in the presence of the Chief Minister, and the land would soon be formally handed over to the Sports Department by the district administration.
Ponnanna credited Rajya Sabha member Ajay Makan for playing a pivotal role in facilitating the project. He recalled his long association with Makan and said that during Rajya Sabha proceedings, Makan had appreciated Kodagu’s sporting culture, including the world record associated with Kodava family hockey. Having served earlier as Union Sports Minister, Makan showed keen interest in supporting the project and assured allocation of his six-year Rajya Sabha grants for the construction of the sports complex and training centre.
He explained that an earlier proposal to establish the centre at Kanur could not be implemented due to technical issues, after which the V. Badaga site was identified.
The project will also include a hostel facility and is expected to be completed in phases over a period of three years. The matter has been discussed with the Chief Minister, and a formal request for grants has been submitted. Assistance from the Central Government will also be sought, with support from Ajay Makan.
Ponnanna stated that the project, estimated to cost around 40 crore, would be one of its kind in the district. Of this, 25 crore is expected from Rajya Sabha members’ grants, while efforts are underway to secure 15 crore from the State Government. He expressed confidence that the allocation would be announced in the upcoming State Budget.
A delegation of journalists led by Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association President B. Anu Cariappa visited the site.
B Shettigeri Gram Panchayat President Kolleera Bopanna, former Taluk Panchayat President Umesh Kechamayya, and other local dignitaries were also present.
