Various works to be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 45 crore: A.S. Ponnanna
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna on Monday visited and inspected the ongoing construction of the administrative building of the Sports Training Centre being developed near V. Badaga village in Virajpet taluk. The MLA inspected the administrative building, which forms part of the proposed sports training complex spread over about 11 acres, along with other work sites.
Various works, including the establishment of a sports training centre and hostel facilities, are proposed at an estimated cost of around Rs. 45 crore. In the first phase, an administrative building is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 2 crore, and the MLA reviewed the progress of the work.
The administrative building will consist of a ground floor and a first floor, and indoor and outdoor sports facilities will also be developed. Indoor facilities will include shuttle badminton, table tennis, squash and gymnastics, while outdoor facilities will comprise a hockey turf, swimming pool, cricket ground, volleyball court and football ground.
The administrative building will house offices on both floors as well as indoor sports training facilities.  Speaking to reporters later, MLA A.S. Ponnanna said that a comprehensive plan had been prepared for establishing a world-class sports training centre and that work was progressing steadily. He stated that the project would be implemented in phases and would include facilities for tennis, gymnastics, a hockey turf, athletic track, swimming pool, table tennis, separate hostels for boys and girls, and a medical wing.
Separate hostel facilities accommodating 50 boys and 50 girls will be constructed initially, and the capacity will be increased if demand rises. Priority will be given to local residents, while admissions will be made in accordance with government norms and with equal opportunities for all sections of society, he said.
He noted that the Chief Minister had already made a provision in the State Budget for the sports training centre and that funds would be released for the purpose. He further stated that Rajya Sabha member Ajay Maken had released funds for the construction of the administrative building.
A well-equipped sports training centre is expected to become operational within the next two years, with works being carried out in stages, he added. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 45 crore, and the facility will include a modern sports training centre and hostel.
He observed that the land identified near V. Badaga village is surrounded by lush green hills, making it an ideal location for the proposed facility.
