[Jai]

Now, global sport on city turf?

07 Apr, HT
Sanjeev Shivadekar
Mumbai



THE STATE government has taken a crucial baby step to host international sporting events in Mumbai.

Having lost the opportunity to hold numerous international events due to the lack of state-of-the-art indoor stadiums in Mumbai, the government has now decided to construct two multi-purpose stadiums — one in Andheri, the other in Dharavi – at a cost of Rs 4 crore each.

The state has already acquired a 2.7-acre plot in Andheri and a 3.25acre plot in Dharavi — each approximately one-fourth the size of Shivaji Park.

“The administration is waiting for a no-objection certificate from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority as the plot selected for the construction of the Sports complexes falls under its jurisdiction,” said Deputy Director (Sports, Mumbai Division) N. B. Mote.

Welcoming the decision, former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay said it would add to the city’s international status.

Without pinpointing a sport, Pillay said: “All sports should be treated equally and adequate infrastruc ture should be made available for every sport.” Besides the two stadiums, the state government has written a letter to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, requesting the civic body to provide land to build sports complex es across the city .

“There is a proposal to build 24 sports complexes — one in every administrative ward. This will give a big boost to sports activities in Mumbai,” Mote said.

sanjeev.shivadekar@hindustantimes.com