Administrator reviews the proposals for development of Multi-purpose Hall, Hostel for Players (Boys and Girls) and Olympic size Swimming Pool
City’s first Multi-purpose Hall and Olympic size swimming pool to come up in Sports Complex, Sector 42, Chandigarh.
A meeting under the Chairmanship of Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria was held at U.T., Secretariat, Sector 9 D, Chandigarh with the officials of Sports Department, Engineering Department and Urban Planning Department.
In line with the vision of Hon’ble Administrator to develop Chandigarh as country’s sports hub, a team of officials of Sports Department, Urban Planning Department and Engineering Department visited the sports facilities in Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula and National Institute of Sports, Patiala on 02.01.2025. After visiting these facilities, the Department of Sports has prepared proposals for development of Multi-purpose Hall, Hostel for players (Boys and Girls) and Olympic size Swimming Pool in Sports Complex, Sector 42, Chandigarh. These proposals were presented to the Administrator UT Chandigarh in this meeting.
The Administrator appreciated the efforts put in by the officials and asserted that these proposals will go a long way for improving the sports in U.T., Chandigarh. He directed the officers present in the meeting to prepare a detailed proposal in this regard and send the same to Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for getting funds under the Khelo India Scheme which aims to encourage sports all over the country.
There are various components of this scheme which includes Creation and Up-gradation of Sports Infrastructure, Sports Competitions and Talent Development, Khelo India Centre and Sports Academies, Fit India Movement and Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports.
Chandigarh has 21 Sports Complexes spread over its Geographic area which cater to the requirements of various sporting disciplines like Badminton, Hockey, Football, Judo, Swimming, Cricket, Athletics, Squash, Gymnastics etc. However, there has been a requirement and constant demand for an International/ National Level Indoor Multipurpose Sports Hall which can host various versatile sporting events under one roof and Olympic size Swimming Pool. In this regard, land measuring approximately 20 Acres has been earmarked in the existing Sports Complex situated in Sector-42, Chandigarh.
The said multi-purpose hall will cater to the various sports disciplines such as Badminton, Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, Table Tennis, Fencing, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Kabbadi, Netball, Taekwondo and Gymnastics. This multi-purpose hall will be developed on the lines of International standards and will have all the facilities which are required for conducting International and National events.
The Administrator stressed that building a strong sports culture in Chandigarh could play a significant role in curbing drug abuse among youth. He remarked, “Developing sports as a viable career option can divert the energy of youth towards a positive direction and deter them from falling into harmful habits like drug abuse.” He also directed the officials of the Sports Department to prepare a policy for giving employment to eminent Sportspersons in Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts. He then further directed the officials to examine the suggestions during the meeting held with the Sports Associations on 20.12.2024 and take necessary action on priority.
The meeting was attended by Sh. Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary, U.T., Chandigarh, Sh. K. Shiva Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor, Ms. Prerna Puri, Secretary Sports, Sh. Abhijit Vijay Chaudhary, Special Secretary to Administrator, Sh. Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director Sports and other senior officials of Chandigarh Administration.
