Delhi to soon have ‘world-class’ sports university; plan picks up pace

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The Delhi government is moving forward with plans to build a state-of-the-art sports university in Ghevra village, located in outer Delhi. The project, spread across 79 acres of land, is set to become a major centre for sports education and training in the country, The Times of India reported.

According to the report, the Public Works Department (PWD) has already completed a detailed report outlining both the progress made and the tasks that still need attention.

A consultant for the comprehensive construction plan was appointed, and the conceptual blueprint received approval. An estimated budget of Rs 2,172 crore was earmarked for the construction and submitted to the joint director of Delhi Sports University for administrative approval and expenditure.

The environmental aspects of the project are also being taken into account. A recent survey revealed that 88 trees in the area will need to be transplanted. The PWD has been directed to work closely with university officials to ensure compensatory plantation takes place on suitable land meant for afforestation.

As of now, major statutory and local body approvals have been received. These include clearances from the Airport Authority of India, the Delhi Urban Art Commission, the Delhi Fire Services, and the local body authority.

The only major approvals pending are from the Forest Department and the final environmental clearance.

As per TOI, the university’s design includes a wide range of ‘world-class’ sports facilities and academic buildings. These will include an academic and administrative block, residential quarters, and hostels. Dedicated spaces will be created for various sports such as football, cricket, hockey, tennis, volleyball, and badminton.

There will also be indoor arenas for fencing, gymnastics, judo, wrestling, kabaddi, taekwondo, and chess. Shooting and archery zones, synthetic running tracks, and swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, are part of the plan, along with hydrotherapy rooms, plunge pools, a spa, and a sauna for athlete recovery.

The built-up area will span over 3.1 lakh square metres. The university, first announced in 2020-21, aims to offer top-tier infrastructure and holistic support to athletes across India.

The university, with 20-storey buildings and multi-sport arenas, will also offer academic programs in sports technology, sports health sciences, sports ethics, sports economics and management, and physical education. A central library with space for 1,000 students, an e-book facility, and a science centre for sports studies are also in the works.