The Ransi ground in the district and regional headquarter Pauri is slated to be developed as the only stadium in Asia located at an altitude of 7000 feet but is yet to be developed to meet international standards as envisioned.
In 1974, HN Bahuguna, the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and father of Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna had laid the foundation for this stadium and sanctioned Rs 12 lakh for its construction.
Few years after its foundation was laid, national and district level games were organised at the Ransi stadium, but the condition of this ground deteriorated due to the indifferent attitude of the undivided Uttar Pradesh Government.
The nephew of late HN Bahuguna, Maj Gen (retd) BC Khanduri, during his tenure as the Union Surface Transport Minister in the NDA Government had provided financial assistance from his MP fund and from Central Government for the renovation of this ground on the demand of sports lovers.
During his first term as Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Khanduri had announced Rs 5 crore for the development of the stadium. Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam unit in-charge Rajeev Agrawal told The Pioneer that Rs 80 lakh has been released so far and the construction at the stadium will start soon.
The locals and sports lovers are hoping that CM Vijay Bahuguna will facilitate the long pending development of the Ransi stadium by releasing the sanctioned money and provide full support for ensuring that it is developed to the international standards with the assistance of the Union Government to fulfill the dream of many including this father.
Former Vice-chairman Uttarakhand Sports Council and District Sports Association Secretary Jaspal Singh Negi said that the working agency UPRNN had prepared a detailed project report with a cost estimate of Rs 5 crore, a sum which was sanctioned by the then CM BC Khanduri. The DPR of the Ransi stadium was approved, but the construction work of the stadium could not start due to lack of funds.
Negi said that as per the DPR, the stadium will comprise a 400 meter track with six to eight lanes meeting international standards, hockey, football grounds, underground water outlet system, electrification of the whole area of the stadium, two VIP suites, seating facility for 35000 spectators on the Southern side of the stadium, changing room for men and women, double storey building for the accommodation of coaches, kitchen and canteen facility, store room, overhead water tank, accommodation for class IV staff, VIP pavilion, commentary box and media gallery.