In a landmark decision for Karnataka’s sports infrastructure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given the green light for the construction of a massive 80,000-seat cricket stadium in Surya City, Bommasandra.
The announcement follows the recent stampede-like situation at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where overcrowding raised safety concerns. This new facility aims to accommodate the growing demand for cricket in the city and provide a world-class venue for both domestic and international matches.
Once completed, the Surya City stadium will become the second-largest cricket stadium in India, after the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and one of the largest in the world. It is expected to feature state-of-the-art amenities, modern player facilities, advanced pitch technology, and crowd management systems to ensure safety and comfort.
Officials believe the project will also boost the local economy, create employment opportunities, and position Bengaluru as a premier sports destination. Cricket fans across the country are already anticipating the grand experience this venue promises to deliver.
Former India skipper and cricket legend M.S. Dhoni has taken a big step into the world of sports entrepreneurship with the launch of his brand 7Padel. On Thursday, Dhoni inaugurated the first-ever 7Padel Centre in Palavakkam, ECR, Chennai, adjacent to Alphabet School on MGR Salai.
The sprawling 20,000 square feet facility is designed to promote both sport and wellness. It features:
Three premium padel courts
One pickleball court
Swimming pool
Fully equipped gym
Recovery room
On-site cafe
Sauna facilities
Dhoni was joined by Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at the launch. Speaking at the event, Dhoni expressed his deep connection to Chennai:
“Chennai has always been special to me. The city has given me so much on and off the field, and it feels only right to launch my first padel centre here. Padel is exciting and addictive. More importantly, it’s inclusive and anyone, not just professionals, can try the sport. I want 7Padel to be a place where athletes, families, and fitness lovers all find their space.”
Why Padel? Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world — a blend of tennis and squash, played on smaller enclosed courts, making it accessible to all age groups. With 7Padel, Dhoni aims to popularise the sport in India, making it a fun, engaging, and community-driven activity.
The Chennai centre will serve as the flagship for future 7Padel expansions across India, offering world-class infrastructure and fostering a growing padel community.
With Dhoni’s passion and vision, 7Padel is set to not only introduce this thrilling sport to India but also create spaces where fitness meets fun.
Anjuna, Goa — August 1, 2025: The vibrant village of Anjuna has a new reason to celebrate. With the grand inauguration of its first-ever Pickleball court, the community has taken a significant step towards promoting health, unity, and recreation. The facility, inaugurated by the Oscar D’Souza family, marks a landmark addition to local infrastructure dedicated to wellness and sport.
Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining momentum worldwide—and Anjuna is now on the map. The sport’s inclusive nature makes it appealing to both youth and elders, offering a high-energy but low-impact workout in a fun, social setting.
Since the inauguration, participation has surged. Youngsters are embracing the sport with energy, while seniors appreciate its gentle pace and health benefits. What’s more, the court is already becoming a place for neighbors to bond, relax, and thrive.
The Oscar D’Souza family shared their pride in supporting this initiative. “We hope this court inspires a lifestyle of wellness and active living,” they said. Their vision, along with community leaders, is that such spaces will continue to bring people together.
Local leaders praised the initiative for its focus on mental well-being and social cohesion, citing Pickleball as not just a game, but a new cultural connector for Anjuna.
As villagers rally around this game of paddles and quick footwork, one thing is certain: Anjuna’s love for Pickleball is just beginning.
Bengaluru – June 2025: In a move that could reshape the sports infrastructure of Karnataka’s capital, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state government is considering shifting the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to a new location in Bengaluru. The statement has sparked both anticipation and debate among cricket fans, urban planners, and local residents.
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of India’s most well-known cricket venues. It has hosted countless domestic and international matches and is home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, CM Siddaramaiah cited urban congestion, limited accessibility, and space constraints as key reasons behind the potential relocation.
“We are exploring the feasibility of shifting Chinnaswamy Stadium to a more spacious, accessible location to ease traffic and improve facilities,” said the Chief Minister during a recent press interaction.
The current stadium, while rich in history, is situated in a densely populated part of Bengaluru near Cubbon Park. On match days, traffic congestion, parking issues, and public transport strain have become significant concerns for both authorities and the public.
The state government is reportedly exploring locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru where a modern, world-class sports complex can be developed — complete with better connectivity, parking infrastructure, and multi-sport facilities.
While no official blueprint or timeline has been shared yet, the proposal has already sparked a wave of reactions:
Cricket fans have expressed mixed emotions — many nostalgic about the historic venue, others open to the idea of a larger, more modern stadium.
Urban development experts have welcomed the move, citing the need to decentralize major public venues.
Environmental groups are urging the government to ensure that any development aligns with sustainable urban planning norms.
If approved, the relocation would involve:
Identification and acquisition of suitable land
Construction of a new stadium adhering to ICC and BCCI guidelines
Transition planning for RCB and Karnataka state teams
Consideration of the legacy and future use of the existing stadium site
The government is expected to hold consultations with BCCI, KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association), urban planners, and public stakeholders before finalizing any decisions.
As Bengaluru continues to evolve as a global city, this move could represent a transformative moment for its sports infrastructure. Whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium moves or stays, the discussion underscores the balancing act between heritage and modernity in urban India.
Porvorim, 17th April 2025 – In a significant step towards enhancing community sports infrastructure and promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents, Khelangan, a comprehensive multi-utility sports and recreation facility, was inaugurated on 16th April 2025 in Porvorim by Hon’ble Minister for IT & Tourism and MLA of Porvorim, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.
The event saw the esteemed presence of Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Zilla Panchayat Member Kavita Gupesh Naik, Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, Sarpanch Sonia Sanjay Pednekar, and Panch members from Socorro, Penha de Franca, and Salvador Do Mundo, along with a large gathering of enthusiastic residents.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte expressed his vision for creating a robust ecosystem that nurtures physical wellness, community bonding, and youth development through such grassroots-level initiatives. “Earlier, our children had to travel to Panjim or Mapusa for training and to access facilities. Today, right here in Porvorim, everything is available in one place—training grounds, a futsal ground, a laughter club, coaching facilities, and much more. These amenities are now fully accessible to the people of Porvorim. With the help and guidance of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), especially Shri Suraj Lotlikar and the officials of the GCA, we are also bringing structured training programs for our youth. This will empower them with skills, opportunities, and a pathway to a brighter future. Futsal, which has become extremely popular among the youth, now has a dedicated ground right here. Alongside this, we have a badminton court and several other facilities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.”
What was once available only in selected cities is now here for the people of Porvorim. The overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm of the public reflect the love for sports and community activities.
The commitment to ensuring that the best resources are made available with this inauguration proves that Porvorim is not just progressing—it is setting an example. Khelangan offers a variety of facilities including: A cricket training centre in collaboration with the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), A futsal court catering to the growing interest in the sport, A badminton court, A dedicated senior citizen sit-out area, Community activity zones such as a laughter club and coaching spaces
The project represents the shared commitment of local leadership and government bodies to bring world-class amenities closer to the people. It exemplifies the efforts of the Department of Tourism in supporting initiatives that go beyond tourism, actively contributing to the social and physical wellbeing of local communities.
Khelangan is envisioned as a dynamic hub where generations can come together, engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and strengthen the spirit of community living—making Porvorim a beacon of progress and inclusivity.
