As soon as Jeeva A. drops the powerlifting equipment on the floor, two other youngsters make a dash for it. “I got it,” says one of the boys triumphantly and starts using it. It is 6.15 p.m. and the Corporation gym at Arunachalam Street, Chintadripet, is packed. More than 15 people are working out with a diversity of equipment at the gym, located opposite the police station and next to the May Day park.
“The place gets crowded during summer. Also, the building was renovated recently, which is an encouragement for many to visit the facility,” says Jeeva, an electrician who is a regular at the gym.
The Corporation recently renovated the gym complex, introducing a host of features. It has added an additional floor to the building where residents can come and play carom. New fitness equipment have been placed on the outside, which serves as an open gymnasium.
The gym does not boast of any sophisticated equipment, but is spacious. The tiled premises has a bit of greenery, which is tended to by a watchman.
The gym was opened in 2006-07, but had a drab look then. As it is located in a residential area, many people frequent the gym,” says 22-year-old S. Ranjit, who has been practising at the gym for the last two years.
He says that on an average, at least 20 people practise at the gym in the morning and evening.
Last week, a few NSG commandos were seen at the gym.
According to S. Pandian, counsellor of Ward 62 of Zone 5, there are many youngsters from Chintadripet who have excelled in carom.
“Having a centre will encourage more youngsters to learn the game. We will open the hall once we get the carom boards,” he said.
