There has been an appreciable improvement in various parameters of civic infrastructure in Tiruchi in recent years. Public parks, open gyms, science parks, traffic roundabouts with fountains, walking tracks, open library and night shelters for homeless people are among those recently added to the city infrastructure thanks to abundant financial resources available under the Smart City initiative.
Improving quality of life in urban areas is the main aim of Smart City Initiative but the corporation does not have anything to its credit on sports infrastructure except for a badminton court at Anna Nagar functioning on public-private partnership model. The civic body is yet to come up with a plan to give a fillip to development of sports infrastructure in four zones such as Srirangam, K. Abhisekapuram, Golden Rock and Ariyamangalam.
Sportsmen, coaches, sports enthusiasts and physical directors feel that Tiruchi has always had good support for sporting activities. The city has produced a number of sportsmen at different levels. But it does not have adequate sports facilities except the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT)’s Anna Stadium at Khajamalai and an indoor stadium in Srirangam.
In recent years, there has been a surge in badminton courts in different parts of the city. But almost all of them are privately owned courts. The popularity of tennis has gone up tremendously. The number of tennis courts may not be more than 15. Many of them are either privately or club controlled thereby giving limited access to the young learners. There is none to the credit of corporation. A few years ago, it had a plan to establish a swimming pool in Thillai Nagar or Thennur but it is yet to become a reality.
What has added to the concern of sports enthusiasts was the recent demolition of the 120-year-old City Club that boasted of some sports infrastructure. Tennis enthusiasts and players were distraught when the corporation officials dismantled the club infrastructure.
“Smart cities are expected to further healthy lifestyle of individuals. Many vacant sites have been converted into parks in Tiruchi. There is no plan to create sports facilities. It is disheartening,” said N. Annavi, former international high jumper.
The corporation should construct indoor stadiums and open courts for various sports such as badminton, tennis, volleyball, basketball and swimming polls. This would make a big difference in fostering a healthy society. They could be sources of revenue for the corporation, Mr. Annavi added.
