Udupi Set to Host the Third Karnataka Sports Meet in 2025
Udupi: The third edition of the Karnataka Sports Meet, also known as the Karnataka Olympics, is set to take place from January 17 to 23, 2025, across multiple venues in Udupi and Mangaluru. The grand sporting event is a collaborative effort between the Karnataka Olympic Association, the State Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, and the district administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
The Deputy Commissioner of Udupi District, Dr. K. Vidya Kumari, announced the details of the event during a press conference at the district commissioner's office. The Karnataka Sports Meet will feature 25 diverse sports competitions, with 12 events taking place in Mangaluru, 11 in Udupi, and the remaining at select locations in Bengaluru.
Around 3,247 athletes and 599 technical officials are expected to participate in the event, showcasing a wide range of sports including track and field, swimming, wrestling, and others. The event is designed to operate under the Olympic format, continuing the tradition established in prior editions held in Bengaluru and Hubballi-Dharwad.
Udupi will host a wealth of sporting events, including athletics, archery, boxing, cycling, judo, kabaddi, wrestling, kayaking, canoeing, hockey, lawn tennis, and table tennis. The major events include:
- Athletics: All track and field events at the District Stadium in Udupi
- Hockey, Lawn Tennis, and Table Tennis: Mahé area in Manipal
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Swarna River near Heerur in Brahmavar
The participation for Udupi alone is expected to include around 1,373 athletes and 260 technical officials across the 11 sports events scheduled for the district. Each competition will have designated categories for both men and women, emphasizing inclusive participation.
The inauguration ceremony is slated for January 17 at 4:00 PM at the Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru, to be officiated by the Chief Minister. Entry to all events will be complimentary, allowing enthusiastic sports fans from the region to witness the athletes compete.
The culmination of the sports meet will be celebrated with a closing ceremony on January 23 at 5:00 PM at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Ajjarakadu, featuring dignitaries including Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader.
A preliminary schedule has been outlined for the events, which are expected to see competition from January 17-23 across various venues. The event promises to be a riveting showcase of sportsmanship and talent that will leave an indelible mark on all participants and spectators alike.