Abandoned Mohali Sports Complex set for makeover on modern lines

According to Pargat Singh,Punjab Director Sports,the idea behind revamping the Sports Complex on modern lines is to provide basic facilities to the Punjab sportspersons and also to hold both national and international tournaments. The proposed complex will come up on 20.11 acres of land. It may be recalled that the Sports Department of Punjab had taken possession of this piece of land in 1991 and could just construct nothing more than the boundary walls and gates as the work was stopped owing to lack of funds.

“Now the government is determined to raise funds to the tune of Rs 100 crore through PPP model for creating not only a showpiece but also a venue where sportspersons can hone their skills and organisers hold meets and tournaments,” revealed the former Indian hockey captain,Pargat Singh. Adding further he said that after being finalised by the Sports Department,the proposed model has been sent to Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB),which being the executing agency,will soon invite bids from eligible private parties for awarding the work.

The infrastructure proposed to come up in the modern sports complex includes a multipurpose gymnasium hall of international standards for indoor games like gymnastic,basketball,wrestling,judo,volleyball,badminton and table tennis with a seating capacity of 5,000 spectators at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore.

Moreover,an eight-lane synthetic athletic track along with football ground is also proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore. The synthetic track would be an all-weather facility while the football ground would have the best grass that is conducive to the skills of a modern footballer. A pavilion block for the VIPs along with stands all around the track with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators is also on the agenda.

The Sports Complex would also have a hockey ground equipped with synthetic turf,along with VIP’s pavilion and a seating capacity for 4,000 spectators. It is expected to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore.

An international standard swimming pool with warm up and diving pools is also proposed to be constructed with a provision of filtration plant,changing rooms,toilets,office,sauna,steam bath and stores. This is estimated at cost of Rs 10 crore. The complex will also have facility of sports hostel for 200 players along with allied facilities for the national and international competitions.

A well-equipped library with museum as an essential support system for the development of sports and sportspersons too would be housed in the same complex.

Facilities for other outdoor games like kabbadi,kho-kho,archery,handball and additional court for volleyball would also be made available. The new complex will also have an administrative block to house the Directorate of Sports,which is presently functioning from a hired accommodation in Sector 34-A,Chandigarh.