Bengaluru
A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India has exposed serious lapses in the development and maintenance of sports infrastructure across Karnataka, highlighting regional disparities, incomplete projects and poor living conditions for athletes.
The audit, covering 2019–2024, found that infrastructure development has been heavily skewed, with most districts receiving minimal funding. Out of 31 districts, 29 accounted for just 0–6 per cent of total expenditure, while districts such as Bidar, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Ramanagara and Vijayanagara received no funds at all. In contrast, Bengaluru Urban and Mandya alone accounted for a disproportionate share of spending.
The report criticised the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports for failing to ensure balanced growth and proper planning. It noted that authorities did not adequately identify or prioritise regions lacking basic facilities, leading to uneven access to sports infrastructure across the state.
Of the 233 projects sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹342.51 crore, 57 works worth ₹45.64 crore remain incomplete. Among the 172 completed works, 43 projects costing ₹43.84 crore were executed without obtaining mandatory technical approvals. Additionally, several facilities were either not handed over to authorities or not taken up at all.
The CAG also flagged poor maintenance and under-utilisation of existing facilities. Inspections across eight districts and 29 taluks revealed unhygienic conditions, waterlogging, lack of drainage, garbage accumulation and absence of basic staff such as cleaners and security personnel. In many cases, stadiums lacked proper access roads, making them difficult to use.
The report further painted a grim picture of sports hostels run by the department. Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and poor-quality food were common issues. In one hostel in Dharwad, 68 boys were housed in just four rooms, while facilities for girls were also found to be insufficient and poorly maintained.
The audit also highlighted the lack of gender-specific infrastructure, noting that despite recommendations, no adequate measures were taken to improve safety and participation for female athletes.
The findings underline systemic gaps in planning and execution, raising concerns about Karnataka’s ability to nurture sporting talent at the grassroots level.
