Proposed in the Budget 2015-16, the ambitious ‘Centre for Disability Sports’ has inched a step further towards reality with the Government identifying Gwalior as the city where the first-of-its kind facility will be set up.
To be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore in the next five years, it will have an advanced sports infrastructure to ensure effective participation of PwDs in sports activities and also enable them to compete at national and international levels.
Setting up of the Centre will develop a sense of belonging in Divyangjan to facilitate their integration in society, said a senior official from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Taking April 1, 2019, as the zero date, the project is expected to be completed in two years’ time, i.e. by March 31st, 2021. Thereafter, it will take another six months for the Centre to become operational.
“Once operational, this Centre will result in employment of 140 personnel. In addition, construction and allied activities will also generate considerable employment opportunities. Setting up of the Centre shall entail an estimated cost of Rs 170.99 crore (Non-recurring Rs 151.16 crore and recurring Rs 19.83 crore), spread over a period of 5 years,” the official said.
The Centre will have an outdoor athletic stadium, indoor sports complex, basement parking facility; aquatic centre having two swimming pools, one covered pool and an outdoor pool; high performance centre with classrooms; medical facilities; sports science centre; hostel facilities for athletes, support facilities including accessible lockers, dining, recreational amenities and Administrative Block.
The facilities so developed would be multi-functional centres with provision for training, selection, sports academics and research, medical support, spectator galleries and suitable for holding national/international events.
Sports facilities like Integrated sports (Indoor) like Badminton, Basketball, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Judo, Taekwondo, Fencing and Rugby, adapted sports (Indoor) like Boccia, Goalball, Football 5 a side, Para Dance Sport and Para Power Lifting and integrated sports (Outdoor) like Athletics, Archery, Football 7 a side and Tennis; and integrated sports (Indoor & Outdoor) like swimming will be provided at the Centre.