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A cradle of sports
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Creating infrastructure goes a long way in promoting talent
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PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU
Game for it A view of the new Indoor Stadium at S. C. Railway grounds
Nestled in South Central Railway’s (SCR) sprawling sports complex behind Rail Nilayam and hidden from public view is a multi-purpose indoor stadium under construction, which will become functional next month.
The two-level structure, with two spacious galleries that will seat about 1000 spectators each, will have wooden flooring and air-cooled interiors. The carpet area of the arena measures 25 x 45 metres, sufficient to stage top-level competition. The roof is really high, making it ideal for sports as varied as volleyball, basketball, badminton, kabaddi, gymnastics, table tennis etc.
Apart from creating new infrastructure, those already in existence are in for a facelift or renovation. The indoor stadium beside the Railway Recreation Club (RRC) grounds, used for basketball and volleyball, is being revamped. So are sprinklers being installed in the football ground. A new hostel equipped with a kitchen, is coming up in addition to the existing 96-bed accommodation. Also underway is a handball field.
Nearly 400 sportspersons use the extensive facilities on offer in this complex that includes a cricket stadium, RRC ground with cinder track for athletics, an air-conditioned billiards/snooker hall that also has a pool table for the eight and nine-ball formats. A football field, tennis courts, gymnastics, table tennis and boxing halls, the last-named with a built-in ring are other attractions.
Such infrastructure apart, SCR’s encouragement for the cause of sports comes more in the form of employment for eligible sportspersons.SCR has climbed to the fourth place among the 16 zones in contention for the Kaul Gold Cup, which is a symbol of supremacy in all India railway championships. The recent triumph by the SCR women’s kabaddi team has also come as a shot in the arm.
A. JOSEPH ANTONY
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