The long-pending demand for a dedicated hockey stadium in Belagavi has received a major boost, with MP Jagadish Shettar assuring efforts to secure Central Government funding under the Khelo India scheme.
A delegation from Hockey Belgaum, led by BJP leader Kiran Jadhav and supported by the Sakal Maratha Samaj, met MP Jagadish Shettar and Belagavi Cantonment Board CEO Sudam Manchanwar to discuss the proposed project.
During the meeting, Shettar said he would personally pursue the proposal with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to obtain the necessary approvals and financial assistance under the Khelo India programme. He expressed confidence that Belagavi could soon have a modern hockey stadium worthy of the city’s rich sporting legacy.
Cantonment Board CEO Sudam Manchanwar assured the delegation that the proposal would be processed promptly and forwarded to the Central Government for approval. Cantonment Board Executive Engineer Satish Mannolkar was also present.
Belagavi has a proud tradition of producing accomplished hockey players, but the lack of a dedicated world-class facility has long been seen as a major hurdle. Hockey Belgaum believes the proposed stadium will provide local players with quality training infrastructure and help nurture future national and international talent.
Association members credited the sustained efforts of Hockey Belgaum and the guidance of Kiran Jadhav for bringing the long-standing proposal closer to reality.