First batch of Hajj pilgrims departs from Mangalore

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar )

September 7, 2013

Mangalore, Sep 7: The first batch of pilgrims from the state left for the Hajj pilgrimage from Mangalore Airport on Saturday at 3.30 a.m.

The first batch of pilgrims consisted of 220 Hajis of the total 980 pilgrims from Mangalore to travel to the holy city of Makkah and Madina in Saudi Arabia. Relatives and friends of the pilgrims came in large numbers to see off their dear ones depart for the journey.

Abdul Khan and Ameer (76), two friends from Arakalgoodu of Hassan taluk who geared at Mangalore international airport exited to materialize their long cherished dream of visiting Makkah and Madina.

Expressing their happiness they say, “It is Almighty Allah's wish to grant us a chance to visit Makkah. With the help of my relatives and family we arranged all necessary things.''

980 pilgrims in six days

This year 980 pilgrims are expected to visit Makkah from Mangalore international airport. The first flight carrying pilgrims from Mangalore departed from Mangalore Airport at 3.30 a.m. on Saturday and each day one flight will depart from the airport.

Pilgrims from Hassan, Madikeri, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalore will board from Mangalore Airport. “The arrivals will start on October 20 and end on October 24.” said Sheik Latheef.

Earlier, Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khadar inaugurated a formal function of wishing bon- voyage to the pilgrims organised by Karnataka state Hajj committee at Hajj camp, Mangalore international airport on Friday evening.

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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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