The Chandigarh administration is moving ahead with big plans to improve sports infrastructure in the city. It has announced the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, an international-level multipurpose hall, and a girls’ hostel.
The announcement was made during the first meeting of the newly formed standing committee of the Administrator’s Advisory Council on Sports. The meeting was held at the Sports Complex in Sector 42 on Monday and was chaired by Sanjay Tandon. Officials said that tenders for these projects have already been floated by the engineering department and will be opened on August 18.
In addition to the new swimming pool, the Sector 39 swimming pool is being converted into an all-weather facility. This means that it can be used throughout the year, regardless of the season. The project has already been allotted to a contractor and is expected to be completed by October 31.
Work is also going on to upgrade other sports venues in the city. The Basketball Hall in Sector 42, the hockey stadiums in Sectors 42 and 18, and facilities at the Lake Sports Complex are all being improved to meet national standards. Once completed, these upgrades will help Chandigarh host more national-level sports competitions.
Officials also shared that an online portal has been created for giving cash awards to sportspersons. This portal will be launched on National Sports Day, August 29. Additionally, a dedicated sports policy for specially abled sportspersons has been prepared and will be rolled out soon.
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During the meeting, committee members suggested that sports associations should be allowed to display sponsor branding free of cost inside sports complexes. They said this would help them organise more national and international events, as most associations depend heavily on sponsorship money. The joint director of sports said a policy for this is already being considered and will be finalised soon.
Another policy in the works will provide Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ government jobs to outstanding sportspersons. This move aims to motivate athletes to perform better at state, national, and international levels.
The committee also appreciated the newly renovated conference hall at the Sports Complex, where the meeting took place. The chairman suggested that sports associations be allowed to book this facility for meetings at nominal rates decided by the department.
With these projects and policies, Chandigarh hopes to become a stronger hub for sports and give better opportunities to both professional and aspiring athletes.
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