DW BUREAU / New Delhi

Punjab Governor and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, met with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi to deliberate on major sports infrastructure initiatives under the "Creation and Up-gradation of Sports Infrastructure" component of the Khelo India Scheme.

The discussion centered around the development of three ambitious projects in Chandigarh: an Indoor Multi-Purpose Sports Hall, an Indoor All-Weather Swimming Pool Complex, and a Girls' Hostel. These projects aim to elevate Chandigarh's sports facilities to international standards.

The Indoor Multi-Purpose Sports Hall will cater to 12 sports disciplines, including Badminton, Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, Table Tennis, Fencing, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Kabaddi, Netball, and Gymnastics. With a seating capacity of 4,000, the facility will also feature amenities such as a Physiotherapy Hall, Fitness Hall, Medical Room, Sports Physiology and Anthropometry Hall, and more, enabling it to host international and national events, as well as training camps for elite athletes.

The Indoor All-Weather Swimming Pool Complex will include an Olympic-sized competition pool, a diving pool, and a practice pool. It will support sports like Diving and Water Polo, with the infrastructure designed to host high-level competitions and training camps.

The Girls' Hostel will provide accommodation for 300 female athletes, offering modern facilities such as a fully-equipped kitchen, dining hall, recreational spaces, and study rooms. This initiative aims to foster a supportive environment for female athletes, allowing them to focus on both training and education.

These projects underscore the Chandigarh Administration's dedication to promoting sports and nurturing talent. Once completed, they are expected to position Chandigarh as a leading hub for sports development, contributing significantly to India's sports ecosystem.

(editor@dailyworld.in)