MANGALURU: District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the city will host the Chief Minister’s Mangaluru India International Badminton Tournament from 27 October to 2 November.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sanctioned Rs 1 crore towards the event, which will take place at the indoor stadium in Urwa. Addressing officials at a preparatory meeting organised by the Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association, Rao emphasised that meticulous arrangements must be made as international players will be competing.
He instructed the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to carry out beautification works in the surrounding areas, and repair roads and footpaths. Since the total budget required is around Rs 2.75 crore, additional funds are to be mobilised from public sector institutions including banks, as well as CREDAI. The Department of Kannada and Culture has been asked to schedule daily cultural programmes to showcase the region’s heritage.
Rao further suggested involving school and college students as spectators, planning a curtain-raiser at one of the city’s beaches, and ensuring that potholes on the airport road are repaired before the tournament.
Dakshina Kannada Badminton Association president Sathosh Shetty said the tournament was awarded to the district association by the Badminton World Federation on the recommendation of the Badminton Association of India and the Karnataka Badminton Association. It has been categorised as a BWF international challenge, a global ranking event.
Association General Secretary Supreeth Alva added that around 450 players, both national and international, along with 120 technical officials, are expected to participate.
