Administrative delays have once again stalled the opening of a new, state-of-the-art fitness centre in Ludhiana, a facility built at a cost of ₹70 lakh specifically for local sports persons. Despite missing its initial late-April deadline and a subsequent May 9 inauguration date, the facility remains inaccessible to players because a local minister and district officials have yet to confirm a date for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Funding and Background
The sports department and district administration funded the project directly in response to local athletes protesting the lack of proper training infrastructure. District sports officer (DSO) Kuldeep Chugh stated, “The training facilities, equipment and other materials have been provided and are already set up in the gym. However, the delay in the inauguration of the facility happened due to some unavoidable circumstances, but now it will be available for the athletes in the coming week most likely.”
Facility Features
Located opposite Guru Nanak Stadium near the multi-purpose hall, the high-performance facility features premium recovery amenities like steam and sauna rooms. Its strength-training inventory includes treadmills, spin bikes, smith machines, multi-lat pull-downs, adjustable cable crossovers, and abductor machines. Once operational, the gym will run in two separate daily shifts for male and female athletes under the supervision of specialised sports discipline coaches.
Access and Eligibility
Access to the high-tech setup will be completely free of charge, provided the athletes have achieved at least a state-level ranking in their respective sports fields. The waiting continues for local athletes who have been demanding better training infrastructure, as the new centre promises to significantly enhance their training capabilities.
