The multi-purpose stadium under Khelo India to come up at Una district: Virender Kanwar

Shimla:Himachal Pradesh government is constructing a hi-tech indoor stadium at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Degree College Bangana in Una district with an estimated cost of Rs 631.62 lakh. This indoor stadium, first of its kind in the state, is being constructed with funding from the Centre under the "Khelo India programme" to achieve excellence in Sports in rural and backwards areas of Una district and adjoining areas.
Rural Development Minister Virender Kanwar said that an award letter has been issued to the construction agency in February this year and work on this stadium is in full swing which is likely to be completed by next year.
He said this indoor stadium will identify sports talent and nurture it with the backing of top-notch sports infrastructure in various disciples like Badminton, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, kabaddi, hockey, kho kho courts and Wrestling etc to produce sports champions at the international level. He said that courts that are in more demand by the athletes are being developed first and are likely to be completed by December this year.
Minister said that a meeting with the officials from Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports will be convened shortly. In addition, toilets, a dressing room, yoga meditation hall, fitness centre juice bar and other facilities will be provided in the indoor stadium.
He said that the sports authority of India (SAI) will employ around 5 best coaches in the indoor stadium by December to improve sports culture at the grass-root level that would infuse fresh enthusiasm among rural youth.
“Himachali Sports legends from various disciples will be associated with the indoor stadium to ensure a secure and attractive career track for medal winners in the national as well as international games,” he said.
He said that area has a lot of sports talents but owing to lack of training and facilities, budding talents fail to come to the limelight. He said that construction of this stadium will benefit them immensely. Trainers and experts will be appointed to mentor local youth, he added.