Hans News Service Bengaluru

A major milestone in Karnataka’s sports infrastructure development was marked on Saturday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar jointly laid the foundation stone for a massive international cricket stadium at Indlawadi village in Anekal taluk on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The proposed stadium, which is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 900 crore, is expected to become the second-largest international cricket stadium in the country with a seating capacity of nearly 80,000 spectators. The ambitious project is being undertaken by the Karnataka Housing Board across nearly 100 acres of land and is expected to be completed within the next two to three years.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held amid much fanfare, with thousands of people and party workers gathering at the venue. Local MLA Anekal Shivanna welcomed the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister by presenting them with a symbolic silver mace as a mark of honour and appreciation. The dignitaries were also greeted with massive apple garlands, traditional folk performances and ceremonial ‘Poorna Kumbha’ processions by women.

Several senior political leaders and officials attended the event, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara, MLA K.M. Shivalingegowda, CM’s legal advisor A.S. Ponnanna and MLA Krishnappa.

Officials said the upcoming sports complex will feature world-class indoor, outdoor and aquatic facilities. The indoor sports arena will accommodate 11 major disciplines including badminton, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, squash, kabaddi, kho-kho, judo, taekwondo, wrestling, fencing and weightlifting.

The project will also include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a high-diving pool, a separate practice pool, synthetic athletic tracks and courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball. Dedicated arenas for emerging sports like padel and pickleball are also planned.

Apart from sports facilities, the stadium complex will feature multilevel parking for more than 500 vehicles, commercial and retail outlets, sports equipment stores, food courts and modern accommodation facilities for players, coaches and staff. A helipad, public plaza and a large green zone are also part of the master plan. Speaking tothe media, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan said the demand for a stadium and educational infrastructure in the region had been pending for several years. He added that the recent crowd management concerns witnessed during IPL matches in Bengaluru highlighted the need for another large stadium on the city’s outskirts.