Audience can now watch bouts under safe roof; Nirmithi Kendra  takes up development works at a cost of Rs. 5 crore

Msyore/Mysuru: Finally, years of wait for a safe spectator gallery at D. Devaraj Urs Multipurpose Stadium at Karnataka Exhibition Authority, venue for Dasara Wrestling Competition, is over with authorities giving new shape for the stadium.

Every year spectators were forced to watch the wrestling bouts drenched owing to rainfall without proper roof. This was followed by several requests being submitted to the authorities concerned to provide proper roofing at spectator gallery. The development works at wrestling akhada is being taken simultaneously with the works undertaken at Dasara Exhibition Grounds.

The works at akhada is being taken up at a cost of Rs. 5 crore with authorities installing new roof to main akhada and gallery, laying interlocking tiles, seating arrangements for referees and guests, toilets, bathrooms for pailwans and repair works on the main stage.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Karnataka Exhibition Authority Chairman Ayub Khan said the long-pending demands for a fresh look to the stadium was being addressed and added that several senior pailwans and coaches had requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to release funds for development of Devaraj Urs Multipurpose Stadium.

“Based on Chief Minister’s instructions, District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa had conducted an inspection of the venue and had submitted a report based on which the development works for Rs. 5 crore is being taken up by Nirmithi Kendra,” he added.

It may be recalled that the construction of Devaraj Urs Multipurpose Stadium in Doddakere Maidan began during 2008 Dasara celebrations and was inaugurated during 2010. Later, the spectator gallery was constructed in 2011 at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh. However, since then with no roof to the gallery the spectators were forced watch the bouts drenched in rain.

“Following the requests by pailwans, coaches and general public, the development works were taken up soon after the inspection by District Minister and works are expected to be completed before Dasara 2025,” said Ramesh, AEE,                                                           Nirmithi Kendra.