Ludhiana's Tennis Facility Relocates to PAU Due to Tree Hurdles
A logistical challenge involving mature trees has forced a significant venue change for Ludhiana's newest synthetic tennis facility, moving the project from SCD Government College to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). This relocation is a key component of a multi-million-rupee sports infrastructure initiative designed to modernize the city's training facilities for elite athletes by mid-2024.
Technical Issues Prompt Relocation
District Sports Officer (DSO) Kuldeep Chugh confirmed that while SCD Government College was initially selected for the synthetic lawn tennis courts, "technical issues" and the presence of well-grown trees in the planned construction area rendered the site unfeasible. The project has now been redirected to PAU, where existing cemented courts will undergo a ₹77 lakh transformation to install the new synthetic surface, expected to be operational by May.
SCD College Retains Volleyball Hub Role
Despite losing the tennis courts, SCD Government College will still become a focal point for indoor sports. The sports department is proceeding with the construction of a high-tech indoor volleyball arena at the site, with an estimated cost of ₹3.5 crore. The completion date for this facility has not yet been announced.
Guru Nanak Stadium Upgrades
The city's athletic hub, Guru Nanak Stadium, is also receiving a major facelift as part of this infrastructure blitz. Key developments include:
- An elite fitness centre and multipurpose hall.
- A brand-new gym featuring the latest machinery and luxury recovery facilities, including a sauna, scheduled to open by mid-March.
- A new facility near the stadium, nearing completion, which will serve as a training ground for disciplines such as volleyball, handball, judo, and gymnastics.
- A dedicated indoor warmup athletics track.
Aggressive Completion Schedule
Officials are working on an aggressive timeline to ensure athletes have access to these upgraded facilities before the peak summer training season. The estimated completion dates are:
- March 15 for the multipurpose hall near Guru Nanak Stadium.
- Mid-March for the elite gym and sauna at Guru Nanak Stadium.
- May 31 for the synthetic tennis courts on the PAU campus.
The indoor volleyball courts at SCD Government College do not yet have a confirmed completion date. This comprehensive upgrade aims to enhance Ludhiana's sports infrastructure, providing state-of-the-art training environments for athletes across multiple disciplines.
