CH NEWS, GADAG
Gadag district has a strong sporting tradition and has produced athletes who have represented the country, said B.B. Asuti, Chairman of the District Level Guarantee Scheme Implementation Authority.
He was speaking at the National Sports Day programme held at Mahatma Gandhi Hockey Stadium on Saturday, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Asuti recalled Dhyan Chand’s contribution to Indian hockey and said Gadag-Betageri has a special connection with the sport. He highlighted athletes such as Benu Bhat, Rajiv Bangle and Sunil Joshi, who represented India at international competitions. He said the district has also produced talented players in cycling, wrestling, athletics, volleyball, kabaddi and karate.
He said Gadag now has a modern indoor stadium, considered the second-largest in Karnataka outside Bengaluru. The stadiums and sports facilities developed across the district will provide young athletes with better opportunities for training and competitions. Asuti urged authorities and citizens to protect and properly use these facilities.
Asuti also appealed to parents to encourage children to participate in sports and focus on physical and mental fitness. He said Gadag has no shortage of talent and that proper training, encouragement and infrastructure could help more athletes reach state, national and international levels.
Urban Development Authority Chairman Akbar Sahab Babarchi said significant work had been completed to strengthen sports infrastructure in the district. Facilities for hockey, kabaddi, wrestling and cricket have created a better environment for practice and training, he said. He added that efforts were continuing to identify and support promising athletes. Taluk Guarantee Scheme Chairman Ashok Mandali, Sports Department Assistant Director Dr. Sharanu Gogeri and others attended the programme. Hockey matches were also inaugurated during the event.
