Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday reviewed the status and performances of Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) sports complexes in the city while issuing a series of directions to promote sports and set a target to win a minimum of five medals from these complexes at the Olympics-2036. 

 A statement by the DDA said, “One of the key initiatives in this direction would be the introduction of the LG Cup for Archery and Shooting, modelled on the successful LG Cup for Golf, so as to promote competitive sportsmanship. The LG directed that these tournaments be elevated to national and international levels, showcasing Delhi’s potential as a sporting hub.”

It added that to further encourage citizens’ involvement and participation in sports complexes, the DDA has been instructed to float 2000 club memberships for the newly constructed DDA Golf Club in Dwarka at a cost of Rs. 245 Crore, which is set to be inaugurated on December 18 by the Lieutenant Governor.

“Saxena observed that since the Dwarka Golf Club is one of its kinds in the country, its club and restaurant services would also be of high standard.

 Accordingly, he directed the DDA to float a tender, altering the criteria for vendors so as to ensure that the vendor finally selected for providing various services, like restaurant, etc. at this Golf Club should be of high standard,” it added.

The statement said, “Recognizing the need for diverse recreational options, the LG asked for establishing an ice skating rink in one of the DDA’s sports complexes in the city. Officers were asked to undertake the necessary exercise in this direction.”

A senior official said that this, the LG emphasized, would provide local children and adults with easy access to winter sports, eliminating the need to travel outside the city.

“Additionally, the LG has also proposed the launch of hot air balloon rides in scenic locations like Baansera and Asita, the recently developed green spaces along the Yamuna floodplains. To promote indigenous sports, the DDA has been asked to prioritize sports facilities for football, Kabaddi, and Kho Kho also,” he said.

 “Following his visit in August, 2024, to the DDA’s Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar, Saxena had mandated a comprehensive makeover and revamp the premises within a two-month timeframe.

Reviewing the progress so far, the LG directed that provision of boarding and lodging facilities for award-winning medalists and archers training at the Yamuna Sports Complex, be put into place at the earliest.  This initiative aims at not only enhancing the complex's infrastructure and overall appeal, but also developing it as a Centre of Excellence for training of archers,” the statement added.