In a significant boost to sports infrastructure in South India, Vels Group has unveiled a comprehensive sports academy complex in Chennai with an investment of Rs 25 crore. The inauguration ceremony was graced by none other than legendary Indian athlete and Rajya Sabha member P.T. Usha, who formally opened the facility on Tuesday.
State-of-the-Art Sports Infrastructure
The newly launched facility encompasses two major components: a world-class football academy and a modern swimming school. The Rs 25 crore investment reflects Vels Group's strong commitment to developing sports talent in the region and providing aspiring athletes with international-standard training facilities.
Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chancellor of Vels University, expressed his vision behind this ambitious project during the inauguration ceremony. He emphasized that the academy aims to nurture young talent and provide them with the necessary infrastructure to excel in their respective sports disciplines.
Olympic Legend's Blessings
The presence of P.T. Usha, often referred to as the 'Payyoli Express,' added significant prestige to the event. The legendary sprinter, who represented India in multiple Olympic Games, shared her insights on sports development and encouraged young athletes to make the most of such modern facilities.
Usha commended Vels Group for their initiative in creating quality sports infrastructure, noting that such facilities play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing future champions. Her participation underscored the importance of the academy in the broader context of Indian sports development.
Comprehensive Training Facilities
The football academy boasts professional-grade training pitches, modern equipment, and qualified coaching staff to train aspiring footballers. Meanwhile, the swimming school features Olympic-standard pools with safety measures and professional coaching for swimmers of all age groups.
The dual-sport facility represents one of the most significant private investments in sports infrastructure in Chennai recently. It positions itself as a hub for comprehensive sports education, combining athletic training with academic development.
This initiative comes at a time when India is witnessing growing interest in both football and swimming as competitive sports. The academy aims to tap into this potential and contribute to the development of sports at the grassroots level.
The strategic location in Chennai, a city with a rich sporting culture, makes it accessible to a large pool of talented youngsters from across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. The academy is expected to become a breeding ground for future national and international-level athletes.
With this venture, Vels Group has demonstrated how private investment can significantly contribute to sports development in India. The facility not only provides training opportunities but also creates potential career paths in sports management, coaching, and athletic development.
