The new year is poised to bring a significant boost for athletes in Udham Singh Nagar district, as the Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur undergoes a transformative Rs 20 crore upgrade to international standards. The development, now in its final stages, centers around a state-of-the-art 400-meter synthetic athletic track and a modern football turf, with officials targeting a mid-January handover to the sports department pending crucial certification.
Project Details and Revised Layout
Originally sanctioned at Rs 15 crore, the project's scope was expanded, requiring an additional Rs 5 crore approval. This cost escalation followed important modifications to the initial blueprint. A key revision involved relocating the football turf to a nearby site instead of placing it inside the athletic track. Officials stated this change was essential to prevent interference with other sporting disciplines and to optimize the facility's layout.
The enhanced infrastructure now boasts a high-quality synthetic running track, a dedicated football field, an advanced drainage system for all-weather use, and a reinforced boundary wall to ensure safety. Assistant engineer S S Bhandari of the Irrigation Department confirmed that physical construction of the track and turf would be complete within a day or two. He emphasized that all technical standards have been strictly followed during the build.
The Path to International Certification
The final and most critical step before inauguration is obtaining certification from the World Athletics Council. This process is currently underway, with expert agencies conducting rigorous, continuous inspections. They are assessing multiple parameters including track quality, precise lane markings, surface grip, and overall safety to ensure the facility meets global benchmarks.
Once certified, the stadium's status will be elevated dramatically. It will become eligible to host national and international athletic competitions, moving beyond a local sports ground to a venue of national importance. Furthermore, it is set to become a premier training hub for local and regional athletes, providing them with world-class facilities without the need to travel outside the state.
Delays and Future Impact
The project, initially scheduled for completion by March 2024, faced delays. Officials attributed the setback to the design modifications and the logistical challenge of hosting other sporting events at the stadium during the construction phase. Despite the delay, the focus remains on delivering a flawless facility.
District sports officer Janki Karki expressed optimism about the stadium's future role, stating its completion will establish it as an international sports centre. This development is expected to inject fresh momentum into the aspirations of young sportspersons in the Kumaon region and across Uttarakhand, providing them with the infrastructure needed to compete at the highest levels.
The impending inauguration of the upgraded Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium marks a pivotal moment for sports development in Uttarakhand, turning Rudrapur into a potential destination for major athletic events and nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.
