THE dream of hundreds of athletes of a second synthetic track in the city will be fulfilled in a few months.

The work of laying synthetic track for athletics at the ground of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University at its sports complex in Ravi Nagar is in full swing.

If all goes well, the track will be ready to use within few months. This will be for the first time that any sports construction work is being done within the time frame in the city. A couple of weeks ago an international measurement observer and athletics technical expert of International Athletics Federation visited the construction site. He looked satisfied with the laying work of the synthetic track.

“Low Kok Kwong, an International Measurement Observer and athletics technical expert was nominated for verification and compliance of international standard. He was deputed by International Athletics Federation and Athletics Federation of India. Kwong, who hails from Malaysia, was pretty much satisfied with the progress,” said Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Sports and Physical Education, RTMNU, while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ on Friday. “There will be two more visits of the observer in coming months,” informed Dr Suryawanshi.

In his first visit Kwong checked the dimensions and tolerance level of the track.

“The density of the track should be of 23mm. At present it is of 2mm and full layering is yet to be done. Kwong rated the work as excellent,” said Dr Suryawanshi, adding, “Kwong will be sending his report to World Athletics Federation and Athletics Federation of India.”

“The football field in the centre has been levelled and last layering work of garden soil is in progress. This will be completed be in a couple of days and then the lawn will be laid. After completion of laying of lawn on football field, the asphalting work of the track will begin,” explained Dr Suryawanshi.

The laying of synthetic track might be delayed if RTMNU think whether to test the heat and drainage systems during the monsoon.

“It is up to us when to lay the final layer of the track. If we wait to check the drainage system then we will have to do the laying work after monsoon,” said Dr Suryawanshi.

Apart from that the university is planning to construct practice arena outside the chained fencing area. “We will be concreting the area and that will be used for hurdles for juniors. Similarly, two lanes will be for seniors and two for women athletes.

“The high jump and pole vault arena will also be constructed. “We will also be utilising the area near the Open University for throwing events like hammer throw and shot put. This will be used for practice,” Dr Suryawanshi explained.

University will also be improving the lighting system. “At present we will construct a structure for the light poles. We will be strengthening the present poles so that it can carry the burden of around 400 kgs of lightings,” Dr Suryawanshi concluded.