Mangaluru: Independence Cup football tournament was inaugurated by Mayor Harinath at Nehru maidan on Thursday, July 21.

DM Aslam, President of Dakshina Kannada Football Association who welcomed the gathering, requested the Mayor to look into the formalities of the ground to be handed over to the sports department.

“The work on the ground which will be converted into a turf ground will begin next month. Former sports minister Abhayachandra Jain had sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the development of the ground. Rs 5 lakh from the amount is already transferred to Deputy Commissioner’s office. It will be great if the Mayor helps in handing over the ground to the sports department,” he said.

Mayor Harinath who was honored on the occasion, said that football was receiving immense response in the city and the country. He congratulated the organizers of the tournament and wished the best for the players.

“As Aslam told earlier, Nehru Maidan will be handed over to the sports department after the next council meet where an order will be passed for the same,” he said.

Former mayor Mahabala Maarla, Shashidhar Hegde, Balakrishna Pai and others were present.