Ludhiana to Receive North India's First Indoor Volleyball Stadium with Rs 3.5 Crore Investment
In a significant boost to sports infrastructure, Ludhiana district is set to become home to North India's first indoor volleyball stadium. The state-of-the-art facility, currently under construction at SCD Government College, carries a budget of Rs 3.5 crore. This initiative is part of a larger Rs 10 crore plan aimed at transforming Ludhiana into the premier sports hub of Punjab.
Historic Legacy and Future Prospects
Gurjot Singh, a national-level volleyball coach and member of the Ludhiana Volleyball Association, highlighted the college's rich sporting heritage. "Volleyball has been actively played at SCD Government College since 1970," he stated. Despite operating with limited facilities, the institution has trained nearly 100 national players over the past decade. Nine of these athletes recently excelled at the national championship, earning them job offers in the Railways from Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Advanced Facilities for Aspiring Athletes
The new indoor stadium promises to elevate the training environment with several modern amenities:
- A high-quality wooden floor designed for optimal performance
- A fully soundproof hall to minimize distractions
- Advanced lighting systems for enhanced visibility
- A dedicated gymnasium for strength and conditioning
- A conference room for strategic meetings and events
"Nearly 90 percent of our players come from rural backgrounds," Singh emphasized. "They are absolutely thrilled about these world-class facilities, which will provide them with the resources needed to compete at higher levels."
Broader Sports Development Initiative
The indoor volleyball stadium is just one component of a comprehensive sports infrastructure upgrade in Ludhiana. The district administration has allocated funds for multiple projects, including:
- Revamping the Shastri Badminton Hall
- Developing a throwing events ground at SCD College
- Expanding the weightlifting centre at GNN Stadium
- Installing a new gym at the Rakh Bagh Judo Centre
- Constructing a synthetic tennis court
- Supporting the Roundglass project
Of the total Rs 10 crore outlay, Rs 4 crore is dedicated to lighting facilities, Rs 3.5 crore to the indoor volleyball project, and the remaining funds are allocated to other sports facilities in the initial phase.
Administrative Support and Timelines
Singh praised Minister Sanjeev Arora and Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain for their instrumental role in securing the necessary funds. Tenders for the upgrades were floated in January, with authorities promising time-bound completion.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain underscored the importance of this development, stating, "As Punjab's largest district and a major industrial hub, Ludhiana requires upgraded facilities to actively engage our youth in sports. We are committed to completing many of these projects within the next six months."
This strategic investment not only aims to channelize youth energies but also to foster greater sports participation, positioning Ludhiana as a nurturing ground for future athletic champions.
