Shettar unveils Hubli facilities

Amidst much fanfare, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar unveiled the Platinum Jubilee Pavilion at the KSCA ground in Rajnagar on Saturday morning.

Ahead of Karnataka’s Group ‘B’ Ranji Trophy match against Haryana, Shettar was taken around the facility by KSCA president Anil Kumble, RC-KSCA Chairman GR Vishwanath, Director Syed Kirmani and managing committee members. Shettar was shown around the newly-opened Royal Challengers KSCA Academy (RC-KSCA) at the facility before being ushered in to catch a glimpse of the pitch and the outfield.

“This was a dream that we had for a very long time,” said Shettar. “I am glad it finally came true. This is a beautiful stadium. The people of North Karnataka and the KSCA should be very proud of what they have achieved. I hope that sometime in the future, international cricket comes to Hubli. That’s another dream that we should work towards bringing it to fruition.”

Former India skipper Kumble, who’s administration was instrumental in making this dream a reality, hoped to inspire an entire generation of cricketers from Hubli.

“Our plan is to inspire youngsters with this academy and this stadium,” said the ace leg-spinner. “All along, all they have done is seen these quality players playing on TV but now they can come and watch them in action. That will help more players come out of Hubli and North Karnataka.”

The KSCA, meanwhile, honoured some of the most notable names to come out of North Karnataka such as Sunil Joshi, Avinash Vaidya and Somashekar Shiriguppi with a mementos and shawls during the lunch break.

Felicitated members: Rajesh Kamat, Suresh Shanbal, Avinash Vaidya, Sunil Joshi, Somashekar Shirguppi, Anand Katti.

Life members: Bharat Khimji, Sunil Kothari.

Institutional members: Cricket Club of Karnataka (Dharwad), Hubli Sports Club (Hubli), BDK Sports Foundation (Hubli), Karnataka Star Sports Club (Hubli), The Union Gymkhana Limited (Belgaum), Belgaum Sports Club (Belgaum).

Media: Shivanand Joshi (former ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ editor), Gopal Hegde (Prajavani).