A major boost for sports in eastern Uttar Pradesh has arrived with the completion of a world-class synthetic running track in Jaunpur. This new facility at the Indira Gandhi Sports Stadium is set to propel athletes from the Purvanchal region onto national and international podiums by providing year-round, high-quality training infrastructure.
A Long-Awaited Dream Realized
For years, the lack of an international-standard athletics track in Jaunpur forced local runners to either train on subpar grass and mud surfaces or relocate to other districts. This gap in infrastructure often put them at a disadvantage in competitions held on synthetic tracks. Addressing this critical need, the state government has constructed a 400-metre, 8-lane synthetic running track at a cost of approximately Rs 8.65 crore.
Manvendra Singh, Project Manager of Uttar Pradesh Projects Corporation Limited, confirmed the construction is complete. Crucially, the track has received official certification from World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field. The facility is expected to be handed over to the sports department soon, with athletes likely to get access around the New Year.
Game-Changer for Local Athletes and Sports Culture
The impact of this facility is already generating excitement among the sporting community. District Sports Officer Chandan Singh highlighted that athletes will no longer need to undertake long journeys for proper practice. "Players who had shifted to other districts for better facilities are now eager to return home and prepare for national and international events from Jaunpur itself," he said.
This sentiment is echoed by athletes. Runner Pooja Yadav expressed relief, stating that training during the monsoon was a significant struggle earlier. She thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the new track, noting that all-weather training capability will ensure continuity and drastically improve performance levels. Athlete Nitesh Chauhan called it a "major privilege," explaining how practicing on grass and mud previously caused local competitors to lag behind.
Catalyst for Competitions and Talent Development
The new infrastructure opens doors beyond daily training. Athletics coach Krishna Yadav pointed out that Jaunpur can now host sports camps and state- and national-level competitions. This exposure is vital for emerging talent, as they can observe and learn finer techniques from experienced athletes up close.
Officials connect this development to a larger national trend. The improvement in India's medal tally at events like the Olympics and Asian Games is seen as a reflection of the government's focus on sports infrastructure and athlete welfare. Over the past eight years, significant work has been undertaken across the country to build and upgrade sports facilities. The Jaunpur track is a part of this mission, with officials confident that such investments will make Indian athletes more prominent on the global stage in the coming years.
With this international-standard track now a reality, Purvanchal is firmly on track to produce a new generation of runners ready to chase medals and make India proud.
