Rajasthan Government Unveils Major Sports Push in State Budget
The Rajasthan government has placed a significant emphasis on the development of sports in its latest budget announcement. Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure and promoting athletic talent across the state.
Substantial Financial Allocations for Sports Development
A total provision of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the development of sports infrastructure at the proposed Maharana Pratap University. Additionally, Rs 50 crore has been allocated for organizing the Rajasthan Youth Games, which will be conducted at the panchayat, block, district, and state levels, following the model of the Khelo India Youth Games.
Expansion of Sports Facilities Across Districts
The budget focuses heavily on expanding sports facilities throughout Rajasthan. Key initiatives include the construction of new sports stadiums, indoor stadiums, multipurpose sports complexes, and ensuring the availability of modern sports equipment. In a notable collaboration, world-class facilities for one specific sport will be developed in both Jaipur and Udaipur with the cooperation of Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO) and Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMM).
New Sports Stadiums to Be Constructed
Finance Minister Diya Kumari announced the construction of sports stadiums in multiple locations across the state. These include Dholpur, Vijay Nagar (Masuda), Bansur (Kotputli-Behror), Chhinch (Gangardtalai), Himmat Maidan Garhi (Banswara), Deeg Kaman, Akola (Bhopal Sagar), Chittorgarh, Ahor (Jalore), Nawalgarh, Kakoda and Buhana (Jhunjhunu), Hindaun (Karauli), Etawah (Pipalda), Kota, Bhim (Rajsamand), Shrimadhopur (Sikar), and Baran. Development work will also be undertaken at the Prithviraj Chauhan Sports Stadium in Beawar and the Chitrakoot Stadium in Jaipur.
Indoor Stadiums and Recreational Facilities
The budget includes provisions for new indoor stadiums and the enhancement of existing facilities. A new indoor stadium will be built in Pokhran (Jaisalmer), while a multipurpose indoor hall and synthetic athletic track will be developed at the district sports stadium in Dungarpur. The indoor stadium at RD Girls College in Bharatpur is slated for redevelopment. Furthermore, to prepare rural youth for sports competitions, open gyms and playground facilities will be developed in a phased manner in gram panchayats with populations exceeding 2,500.
Public-Private Partnerships and Sports Academies
The finance minister highlighted plans to improve the quality of sports equipment, training, and playgrounds in selected sports stadiums and academies through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, private participation, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. An online platform named Speed will be developed to measure the performance of athletes training at the Sports Council's academies.
New Handball Academy and Additional Projects
A handball academy will be established at Lalgarh Jatan in Ganganagar. Other significant projects include the construction of an indoor hall in Pokhran (Jaisalmer) at a cost of Rs 30 crore, a swimming pool and synthetic track in Jaisalmer, and facilities for badminton, tennis, cricket, volleyball, football, and athletics in Bharatpur city with an allocation of Rs 15 crore. Additionally, a synthetic athletic track will be laid at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Chittorgarh at a cost of Rs 10 crore, and the same amount will be spent on establishing the Rana Punja Tribal Sports Academy in Nathdwara.
This budget reflects the Rajasthan government's commitment to fostering a robust sports ecosystem, aiming to nurture talent and provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for athletes across all levels.
