Vivekanand Nagar Sports Complex getting upgraded

 

 

ENTHUSIASM for fitness and sports is growing day by day and so is the need to upgrade the present facilities to attract more footfalls at sporting centres. To keep pace with the modernisation, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to upgrade its wooden courts with topping of hova courts at its Indoor Sports Complex situated in Vivekanand Nagar. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Piyush Ambulkar, Sports Officer, NMC said, “A lot is to be done for sports in Nagpur and we have started with the upgradation of the sports complex at Vivekanand Nagar. We are planning to give a face lift to the complex so that players from across city can take the benefits and stay healthy and fit. We have started the synthetic flooring (hova courts) work at badminton hall. One of the four courts has been completed and the remaining three will be upgraded soon. We have started the work with the funds (Rs 5,00,000) provided by ex-MP Vikas Mahatme.”

 

When asked about the total fund required for further renovation and upgradation Ambulkar said, “About Rs 40 to 50 lakh are needed to fully renovate the sports complex and we are trying our best to manage funds. The sports department of NMC has given a proposal for funds to Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and he has assured us to give around Rs 10 lakh for the same. “Just not the badminton hall but the complex will also be getting a well-equipped gym for which the work is in progress and will be ready for public within three to four months. Along with that the NMC is also planning a hall for table tennis and a chess room in the sports complex so that interested players can get a place in centre of city for practice.”

 

Ambulkar was satisfied with the progress of the work despite hurdles and was sure of getting the work done in the given period of six months. “Rains in the last three four days have disturbed the work which has slowed down but we are trying our best. I am confident that the work will be over within the stipulated time of six months,” Ambulkar concluded. Ishwar Pawar, who is Administrator of Vivekanand Sports Complex, sounded happy with the turn-out of sportspersons at the venue and the renovation work. “The NMC is doing a good job by giving a face lift to the sports complex ... development is an important thing. The sports complex is for all the citizens and anybody who wants to play or remain fit can enrol here. There are around 200 shuttlers who come for practice on regular basis. With gym coming in a few months the number of players and fitness freaks will surely increase. The NMC now charges a nominal fee of Rs 1000 a month from each player for badminton and hopefully it will be the same for gym and other sports which are coming in the complex in the next few months,” informed Pawar.