Kerala Budget Allocates ₹50 Crore for International Football Stadium in Malabar, Unveils Sports Vision 2036

The Kerala government has announced a series of measures to boost sports infrastructure and youth participation, allocating ₹173.77 crore for the Sports and Youth Affairs sector in the state Budget. A key highlight is the allocation of ₹50 crore for the construction of an international-standard football stadium in the Malabar region, considered the football heartland of Kerala.

The proposed stadium will be developed with modern facilities, aiming to strengthen the state's sports infrastructure and enhance its capacity to host major sporting events. The project acknowledges football's enduring popularity in the region, particularly in Malabar, which has produced numerous talented players.

In addition to infrastructure, the Budget proposes mandatory participation in at least one sport or the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for college students, along with optimum utilisation of playgrounds and sports facilities on campuses. This initiative aims to increase physical activity and deter drug abuse among youth.

The government also launched 'Vision 2036', a talent identification and development programme to prepare athletes for the 2036 Olympic Games. Under this scheme, children with exceptional sporting abilities will be identified early and provided intensive coaching and scientific training. The programme aims to create a structured pathway for athletes to compete at national and international levels, strengthening Kerala's presence in global sporting events.

Sports enthusiasts and experts have welcomed the proposals, noting the dual focus on grassroots participation and high-performance systems. Shanavas Ponnadam, a member of a football club in Kozhikode, called the Budget a 'timely action plan' and suggested utilising retired coaches to mentor students and emerging athletes. Eminent trainers from District Sports Councils hailed the proposals as a major blueprint for sports development in the state.