Ahmedabad’s Olympic dream is getting closer to its fulfilment as the infrastructure for an international-level sports complex in Naroda Ward, behind Vardan Tower gets the finishing touches. Developed under the new Draft Town Planning Scheme-29, this ambitious project was designed with an eye on the Olympics 2036. With an estimated cost surpassing ₹761 crore, the complex is set to elevate the city’s sporting infrastructure, positioning it as a key contender in India’s Olympic aspirations.

The contractor, PSP Projects Limited, had received approval for an estimated ₹631.77 crore. The foundation stone for this international sports complex was laid on May 29, 2022, and 95% of the work has been completed. The inauguration is expected to take place in March 2025.  

For the Naroda Sports Complex, planning and design have been done based on a built-up area estimate of ₹593.99 crore, after which the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports approved a budget of ₹583.99 crore. This amount is now being increased. The entire amount will be covered through grants from the central and state governments.  

After budget approval, the total plot area increased from 72,500 square metres to 82,507 square metres, leading to an increase in the built-up area as well. Changes have been made in planning and design as per the recommendations of the Sports Authority of India, and the facilities have been upgraded. Based on the newly available plots, the architect has designed an area of approximately 1.15 lakh square metres.  

Six sections of Gujarat’s largest sports complex

The international sports complex in Naroda has been divided into six sections. It has been designed with modern facilities to accommodate various sporting events.  

1. Aquatic complex – Constructed as per the norms of the International Swimming Federation, the swimming pool will be used for artistic swimming and water polo. The block includes seating arrangements for 1,500 spectators.  

2. Centre for sports excellence – Features two main halls, where two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, and eight badminton courts can be used simultaneously. The multi-sports hall in this centre can also accommodate two taekwondo courts, two kabaddi courts, two wrestling arenas, or 12 table tennis matches. Additionally, the centre includes a lounge for athletes, a sports and science fitness centre, changing rooms, eight double rooms for coaches, and 100 triple bedrooms for athletes, along with a dining hall for 150 corporate members.  

3. Indoor multi-sports arena – Includes 16 badminton courts, four volleyball courts, four gymnastics mats, and facilities for kabaddi and wrestling in a multi-purpose hall. Seating for 5,200 spectators has been arranged. Other amenities include a media room, call room, and rooms for sports federations.  

4. Community sports centre – Includes six badminton courts, six table tennis courts, six carrom tables, nine chess tables, and ten snooker and billiards tables within a multi-purpose hall. Additionally, six squash courts and an indoor shooting range have been planned. Facilities such as a cafeteria, gym, and aerobics centre have also been included.  

5. Fit India zone – Features a seating area for senior citizens with a yoga lawn, a plaza-cum-skating rink, kabaddi and kho-kho grounds, a children’s zone, a gym, and a jogging track.  

6. Outdoor sports facilities – Includes six tennis courts, one basketball court, one volleyball court, and parking arrangements for 800 two-wheelers and 850 four-wheelers.

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