The game is still afoot: Bellary’s historic field

Gangadhar Pattar and Venkat Nag Kolachalam​ chronicle the legacy of a recreational ground, which has brought the community together since 1896.

Nestled in the heart of the city of Bellary, the ‘Bellary Recreation Grounds’, locally known as the BDAA Grounds, was commissioned in the year 1896, making it the oldest football stadium in the state of Karnataka. Some say it could even be the second-oldest in India.

The Bellary Recreation Grounds came into existence as a confrontational measure, aimed to target the ill-treatment of Indians at sporting facilities, during British rule. In some places, the ill-treatment went to the extent of displaying boards that read, “Dogs and Indians not allowed”. Bellary, (now Ballari), was a prominent town and a military station for the British. To cater to the needs of its vast forces, the British had established a polo ground, golf course and a cricket stadium, but none of these were opened for use by Indians, except a few elites and royals.

Freedom fighter Kolachalam Venkata Rao, recognising the desire of locals to play sports, sanctioned 4.54 acres of land, owned by his son, for this purpose.

He commissioned the Bellary Union Club and developed the recreation grounds, all with his private funds. The ground was leveled and enclosed with a stone wall compound that resembled a fort wall. A mini seating theater, was built,  allowing for spectators to witness the unfolding drama on the field. The stadium’s design was a harmonious blend of utilitarian functionality and minimalist aesthetics, reflecting the ethos of its era.

In 1903, the club was registered as a trust and opened to the public to avail free training. In 1907, Venkata Rao’s son Ramachander returned from London after completing his barrister degree, and took over the captaincy of the club. He successfully built a competing team. In 1910, the Bellary Recreation Grounds hosted an all-India football tournament.

Unlike today, it was a barefoot tournament, and players were dressed in athleisure. Teams like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sports Club are known to have participated in the tournament.

Over the years

Post-Independence, the Bellary Union Club stopped operations, and a few local sporting teams continued to manage the recreation grounds, hosting tournaments and events. The state government took over the maintenance of the grounds in 1972. The recreation ground eventually fell into disrepair and closed its doors for public use.

In the 1980s, a part of the grounds was given to Bharat Scouts and Guides. In the year 2000, the government tried to build a swimming pool and a commercial complex. In 2012, a religious organisation was permitted to build a huge auditorium here, which led to vigorous protests. 

In response, the government reverted the permission and upgraded the stadium with a turf. A cafeteria and an auditorium for non-sporting commercial use were also built here. The protests and subsequent upgrades helped revive the football culture and finally, the grounds were opened for regular use by patrons, who are now required to pay an hourly fee. In 2022, a statue and memorial of a local politician was announced to be built at the premises; even this led to opposition and was cancelled.

Football stadium in present form. 

Most attempts by the government to alter the use of the grounds have been opposed by local members of the community, who have successfully preserved the benevolent gift of their ancestors. Undeterred by the repeated attempts to encroach, the football culture is intact in the city and the ground is still serving its purpose.