Sports Department to introduce better facilities in Mohali under PPP mode
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Mohali, October 24
If all goes well, sports complexes in Mohali will be run under the private public partnership (PPP) mode as the Punjab Sports Department is planning to improve the infrastructure and provide better facilities to its players.
International Hockey Stadium, multipurpose halls of Sector 63 and 78 are among the ones, which might see major changes in the upcoming months.
The arenas have various facilities, but also huge chunk of land lying unused. The department is planning to modify the same areas with the help of PPP. Professional/amateur players will be able to use facilities round the clock in the coming years.
“The planning is still in the pipeline. It’s a win-win situation for us. Our land will be used in a proper manner and we will be able to provide our athletes latest facilities. Revenue generation is another aspect, which will help us upgrade our infrastructure,” said DPS Kharbanda, director, sports and youth services, Punjab.
He ensured that, if plan is approved, facilities at these complexes will be upgraded and players can use these anytime. “I have visited Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance Centre and saw some amazing equipment. I think our athletes from rural area deserve to get such stuff for adopting sport in a young age. The government is doing its best for making a sports hub in every district of Punjab,” he added.
“Players will be able to use such facilities free-of-cost while those coming for leisure activities have to pay a fee. It will be just like the already existing swimming pool centres fee structure,” he said.
“To start with we have chosen Mohali as its approachable to all professional athletes, airport is near, and we have adjoining rural areas where we can promote sport among youth. Our main is aim to provide our athletes best facilities, equipment and proper environment,” he added. “Sports Department’s Mohali International Hockey Stadium is its only facility located in a prime location. The stadium is spread across 11.8 acres. Most of its land is lying unused. There’s no harm in introducing such ventures,” said a coach.
