Fri Jan 09 14:26:16 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Karnataka Inaugurates First Hi-Tech Cycling Velodrome in South India
The Story:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially opened a state-of-the-art cycling velodrome in Bhutnal village, Vijayapura district, on Friday, January 9, 2026. Described as the first hi-tech velodrome in South India, the facility aims to nurture aspiring cyclists and host national and international events. The project, initially proposed in 1998, faced delays but was completed with the help of KRIDL and a sports consulting agency from Kolkata.
Key Points:
- The velodrome is located in Bhutnal village, Vijayapura district.
- The project cost over ₹10 crore.
- The track has a circumference of 333.33 m with a 45-degree turn.
- The first proposal for the velodrome was mooted in 1998, with the foundation laid in 2009.
- The Vijayapura district has produced over 1,000 prize-winning cyclists in the last 50 years, with at least 120 competing at national and international levels.
- The velodrome is expected to improve performance and reduce accidents during training.
Critical Analysis:
This section is not applicable as the provided related historical context is a list of other unrelated inaugurations on the same day.
Key Takeaways:
- Karnataka is investing in sports infrastructure to support local talent.
- The new velodrome addresses a long-standing need for advanced cycling training facilities in the region.
- The project highlights the importance of consistent effort and collaboration across different agencies to bring infrastructural developments to fruition.
- Vijayapura has a rich cycling history, and the velodrome is poised to further boost cycling culture in the district.
Impact Analysis:
This section is not applicable as the provided related historical context is a list of other unrelated inaugurations on the same day.
First Piper 