Sports complexes to be modernised

Sports enthusiasts and general public can look forward to having better facilities at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex at Uppalam and Multi-purpose Indoor Hall at Lawspet with the Puducherry government planning to strengthen and modernise the infrastructure facilities at both the complexes at a cost of around ₹8 crore. 

The funds for the modernisation had been earmarked in the 2026-27 Budget. The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs has requested the Public Works Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report, detailed estimates and technical feasibility reports for taking up the modernisation of the two sports complexes.

“The government is according high priority to strengthening and modernising sports infrastructure at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex and the Multi-purpose Hall. The modernisation initiative is aimed at helping our youth get better training besides encouraging the public to utilise the facilities for recreation purposes. The PWD has started preparing the report for the works,” a senior official told The Hindu.

The Directorate has proposed providing a 12-foot-high fencing and floodlights for the volleyball, basketball, handball, kabaddi and kho-kho courts at the Indira Gandhi Outdoor Stadium. The other facilities planned for the Indira Gandhi stadium, included new toilet blocks, drinking water facilities, new gensets, floodlights for football field, athletic tracks and LED lights inside the campus.

A separate plan has been drawn for the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in the complex which included provision for air conditioning, lighting, repair of leakage, repair and polishing of wooden flooring and replacement of rusted shutters. There is also a proposal to establish two synthetic tennis courts and a Beach Volleyball ground, the official said.

“There have been several complaints about the lack of facilities in the stadium, including space for athletes to stay. We have plans to construct a 100-bed hostel for boys and another 50-bed hostel for girls. This would help the inmates of the School of Sports to stay at the complex, the official said.

The upgrade of the facilities, besides providing a platform for the local youth to get proper training in various sports, would also help in hosting national-level tournaments, Khelo India events and regional championships.

“Recently, we all watched a major cricket match that was played at Thuthipet cricket stadium. On similar lines, the modernisation of the complex will help in promoting sports tourism and attracting more athletes to Puducherry,” said another official.