City to become country’s sports hub, says Kataria
A meeting under the chairmanship of Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria was held at Raj Bhawan with representatives of various sports associations from Chandigarh.
The meeting aimed at strengthening the sports landscape in the city by focusing on infrastructure development, promoting consistent sporting events and addressing the challenges faced by athletes.
The Administrator listened to the suggestions and concerns raised by the sports associations, emphasising his commitment to ensuring that the existing facilities and opportunities are fully utilised for the development of sports in Chandigarh.
Speaking at the gathering, the Administrator said the city had the potential to evolve into a prominent sports hub in India. “Chandigarh has the necessary infrastructure and facilities. However, to truly excel, we need to maximise utilisation of the facilities,” stated the Administrator.
He emphasised the importance of hosting sporting events to provide a platform to athletes to develop and refine their skills. In a bid to elevate Chandigarh’s sporting profile, he requested the associations to prepare an yearly calendar for organising national competitions, enabling athletes to compete regularly and enhance their abilities for international competitions, including the Olympics.
“We have excellent facilities in place, but the key is to maximise the utilisation. Regular events will help sharpen the skills of athletes and provide them with opportunities to showcase their talent on a national stage,” he said.
Additionally, the Administrator emphasised the need for collaborative efforts, proposing that athletes from Punjab, Haryana and other regions could also be trained and participate in sports events held in Chandigarh. He also stressed that building a strong sports culture in Chandigarh could play a significant role in curbing drug abuse among youth.
Sports portal launched
During the meeting, the Governor launched a new online portal for the membership of various Sports Complexes of Sports Department. The portal will simplify the procedure for obtaining membership of Sports Complexes in Chandigarh with minimal human interface. It will save time for individuals by eliminating the need for multiple office visits for fee payment or membership card collection. It will also reduce administrative hassle, enabling citizens to gain quick access to sporting facilities. Managers/coaches at sports complexes can check the credentials of visitors by scanning QR code on the membership card. Fee payment for obtaining membership of Sports Complex can now be made through digital modes such as UPI, netbanking, debit card, credit card, etc.
The Administrator assured the sports associations of regular meetings to address their concerns and track the developments in infrastructure and opportunities in the region.
