Lucknow, May 24 (PTI) Known for its lock industry and educational institutions, Aligarh may also now emerge as a new sporting hub with the Uttar Pradesh government set to open an Olympic-standard indoor sports complex in the city, officials said on Sunday.
Built over 13,000 square metres at a cost of more than Rs 57 crore, the sports complex is fully ready and will soon be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, according a government statement.
The project is expected to boost sporting opportunities not only for Aligarh but also for athletes across western Uttar Pradesh.
Municipal Commissioner Prem Prakash Meena said, the facility is the first world-class indoor sports complex in the Aligarh division and has been developed with infrastructure meeting national and international standards.
“The government’s vision is not merely to build stadiums, but to provide a platform for talented youth from villages, towns, and smaller cities so they can establish themselves at national and international levels,” Meena said.
The complex also includes a modern multipurpose hall for indoor events, badminton and basketball courts developed to international standards, a billiards room, and a high-tech gymnasium.
A key attraction of the sports complex is its advanced swimming pool, capable of hosting state and national competitions in the future. The facility is expected to provide swimmers from Aligarh access to high-level coaching and competitive opportunities within their region Officials said the infrastructure has been designed to provide athletes with professional training facilities comparable to those available in metropolitan cities.
A modern spectator gallery, VIP rooms, media rooms, and lounge areas have also been developed to facilitate hosting of national-level sporting events.
Meena said athletes from Aligarh and nearby districts would no longer need to travel to Delhi, Noida, or Lucknow for professional training once the facility becomes operational.
This will particularly benefit talented athletes from economically weaker backgrounds by providing world-class facilities within their own region,” he added.
The state government said the Aligarh Sports Complex reflects its broader push to strengthen sports infrastructure through mini stadiums, district sports complexes, and international standard facilities across Uttar Pradesh.
The completion of the project has generated excitement among sports lovers and local residents, who believe it could prove to be a game changer for Aligarh in the coming years, the statement said. PTI NAV MDO MDO
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