Now, 'bowling machine' coaching in Mangalore

September 8, 2012

Mangalore, September 8: There is good news for Mangalore's cricket aficionados and aspirants looking forward to learn the game, especially children. The coastal city has got its first bowling machine which would be up for use during coaching sessions.

The machine will be used from the upcoming coaching programme beginning on September 16 at St Aloysius Centenary Grounds under the joint auspices of Cricket India Academy and Cricket Australia, Samuel Jayaraj, Cricket Coach, Mangala Sports Pvt Ltd said.

“The machine was procured four years ago from Mumbai for about Rs. 2 and a half lakh. But it had not been used so far as we needed apt surfaces to put it to use as well. Now we also have three Astro Turf artificial pitches besides mat wickets. The Astro Turf wickets will also be the first ones to be used in Mangalore”, he reveals.

The bowling machine is likely to enhance the overall learning experience in coaching camps, Mr. Jayaraj says. “They help in serving deliveries to the practicing batsman just the way we intend to. There are controls to manipulate the speeds of the deliveries being bowled and also the bounce and lengths”, he says.

The machine procured for Mangalore has been manufactured by an international company called 'Jugs'. 'Jugs' bowling machines can simulate in-swing, out-swing, fast rising deliveries and even slow spin. Bowling speeds in the machine range from 32-167 kph (20-104 mph). That these machines are portable and easy to operate, they help a great deal in cricket coaching. Bowling machines are even used for fielding drills and catching practices owing to their 360 degree movements.

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Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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