Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Madhu Mailankody in Sports Broadcasting

By Abhishek N Bhat | coastaldigest.com
May 3, 2019

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When Star Sports decided to launch its first dedicated Kannada sports channel, the move created ripples in a space already brimming with dozens of state level TV channels. But amid this crowded landscape emerged a fresh, commanding voice — one that quickly captured the hearts of sports lovers across Karnataka.

Madhu Mailankody, with her effortless charm and astute presentation, brought a new energy to sports broadcasting in the region. In a world where television anchors often lean towards theatrics and sensationalism, Madhu stood apart — grounded, insightful, and refreshingly authentic.

The Beginning of a Star

Flashing what many call her “million dollar smile,” Madhu became the first anchor to go live on Star Sports 1 Kannada, marking the channel’s historic launch under the Walt Disney owned Star India banner.

Known today as an all round sports presenter, she is one of the few female specialists in Karnataka covering a diverse range of games — cricket, football, badminton, kabaddi, and volleyball. Her work spans pre match build ups, post match analyses, and in depth interviews with some of the biggest names in international sport.

Despite her growing fame, Madhu’s humility and unassuming nature remain constant — traits that have earned her the admiration of colleagues and audiences alike.

Conversations with Legends

“How does it feel to work with some of the greatest names in sport?” I ask her over WhatsApp after catching her live on TV. She responds with candour:

“Working with legends and sharing space with them… it’s a dream. A great opportunity to interact with giants like Brian Lara, Brett Lee, Scott Styris, Anil Kumble, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Venkatesh Prasad.”

Moments later, she’s back on set — ready for the next live broadcast.

Rooted, Yet Global

Madhu’s journey began far from the studio lights. She hails from Mailankody, a pristine village in Perdala, Kasaragod district, born to Savithri G. Bhat and M. Ganapathi Bhat — a postgraduate who chose farming over corporate life, defying the tide of rural to urban migration.

Raised amid the simplicity of village life, Madhu moved to Mangaluru for college, graduating from two of its prestigious institutions — St Agnes College and St Aloysius College. Before stepping into television, she had already made a name for herself as an event anchor in Mangaluru, charming audiences at cultural festivals, weddings, and corporate gatherings.

Fluent in English, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tulu, Madhu effortlessly bridges cultures and connects with audiences across India and beyond — earning her the moniker of “an anchor without borders.” Her work has taken her to stages not only across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Goa, but also to international events in the UAE, Qatar, and Oman.

A League of Her Own

Madhu’s career is closely tied to some of the country’s biggest sporting leagues:

•    Anchor for the Indian Super League (ISL) since 2017.

•    Presenter for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2018 19.

•    Host for the Premier Badminton League (PBL) during 2018 19.

•    Ground MC for the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) since 2015.

•    Solo host for three seasons of the Mangalore Premier League (MPL).

•    The iconic voice of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, engaging 35,000 plus spectators live.

•    Anchor for several international cricket tournaments, including the Asia Federation Cup.

Beyond the Spotlight

Madhu’s appeal isn’t limited to sports. She made her acting debut in the Tamil blockbuster Mookuthi Amman, sharing screen space with Nayanthara, and played the female lead in the Kannada music album Bheti on YouTube. Her candid voice has also reached audiences through podcasts and numerous interviews aired on South Indian television channels.

Despite her accomplishments, she remains grounded — a traveller at heart, happiest exploring nature rather than malls or restaurants. And while she’s outspoken, she shies away from unnecessary publicity, letting her work speak for itself.

Free‑Spirited and Fearless

Ask her what drives her and she’ll smile — the same smile that first captivated viewers — and say with quiet confidence:

“I am purely an independent girl.”

It’s this independence, combined with talent and humility, that has made Madhu Mailankody not just a presenter but a symbol of what modern sports broadcasting can be — authentic, inclusive, and deeply connected to its audience.

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Comments

PK Kudla
 - 
Sunday, 5 May 2019

Terribly gorgeous girl.  Nice photos. 

Richard Rego
 - 
Sunday, 5 May 2019

Well written. Hope Madhu Mailankody reaches great heights of success

Roshan Martis
 - 
Sunday, 5 May 2019

Wonderful article on a wonderful girl. Proud of you Madhu Mailankody. God bless.

Aron
 - 
Saturday, 4 May 2019

Nice piece of article on a nice girl. All the best Madhu

Nithin Mangalore
 - 
Saturday, 4 May 2019

Madhu Malankodi is quite familiar in Mangalore. Happy to see her scaling new heights. I liked the last line: “I am purely an independent girl”. You are practically a feminist. I must thank the writer Mr Abhishek N Bhat for the beautiful write up. 

Raveena M
 - 
Saturday, 4 May 2019

Wonderful woman. One should live life like this! I worked Madhu during an event in Mangalore years ago and received my first salary from her. 

M Sadashiva Rao
 - 
Friday, 3 May 2019

A stupendous performance and achievement - By Madhu Mailankdy - hailing from a remote rural place - proving that it is one's talent, attitude and passion that makes or marks a person - one need not be City bread to be an achiever -  Congratulations and compliments to this simple girl from Perdala - who has carved a niche for herself in the arena of sports presentation

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News Network
November 27,2025

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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday announced that he will convene a high-level meeting in New Delhi with senior leaders — including Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar — to resolve the escalating leadership turmoil in Karnataka and “put an end to the confusion.”

Kharge said the discussions would focus on the way forward for the ruling party, as rumours of a possible leadership change continue to swirl. The speculation has intensified after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, reviving talk of an alleged 2023 “power-sharing agreement” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

“After reaching Delhi, I will call three or four important leaders and hold discussions. Once we talk, we will decide how to move ahead and end this confusion,” Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru, according to PTI.

When asked specifically about calling Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi, he responded: “Certainly, we should call them. We will discuss with them and settle the issue.”

He confirmed that Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and other senior members would be part of the deliberations. “After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah held a separate strategy meeting at his Bengaluru residence with ministers and leaders seen as his close confidants, including G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, K. Venkatesh and K.N. Rajanna.
Signalling calm, the Chief Minister told reporters, “Will go to Delhi if the high command calls.”

Shivakumar echoed a similar stance, saying he too would head to the national capital if summoned by the party leadership.

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News Network
December 3,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 3: A group of Congress workers gathered at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday to welcome AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, but the reception quickly turned into a display of support for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Venugopal arrived in the city to participate in the centenary commemoration of the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Narayana Guru. The event, organised by the Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, in association with the Mangalore University Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair, is being held on the university’s Konaje campus.

KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai and several party workers had assembled at the airport to receive Venugopal. However, the moment he stepped out, workers began raising slogans backing Shivakumar.

The university programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

This show of support comes just a day after Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar would lead the government “when the high command decides.” The chief minister made the comment after a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence—another public display of camaraderie between the two leaders amid ongoing attempts by the party high command to downplay their leadership rivalry.

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News Network
November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.
 

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