Ahmedabad is about to experience a large-scale change with the Gujarat government presenting a grandiose plan to build 6 new sports stadiums of the world in Motera, Karai and Bhat. The extensive infrastructural development initiative is to make the city a sports destination in the world to favour the long-term potential of the city hosting mega international events, such as having a future Olympic bid.
The central part of the scheme is to expand the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave in Motera, the location of the famous Narendra Modi stadium, the largest cricket stadium in the world already. In the new project, it is to be provided with the building of more modern stadiums in athletics, aquatic, indoor sporting, tennis and football sports, among other disciplines at an Olympic level. According to the officials, the facilities will be of international standards and will create a sports ecosystem that has never been seen in other parts of the country.
The other important element of the project is the 143-acre sports hub development in Karai, where numerous training and competition facilities are likely to be constructed. The hub is set to accommodate various sports as well as be a big centre in training of athletes, performance and major sports tournaments. In the meantime, the Bhat region has been proposed as the possible location of a new advanced sports village or game village with residential and service facilities to serve the sportsmen, officials, and international officials.
According to the government, after the completion of these projects, Ahmedabad will be at the same level as international reputation sports cities, and such destinations like London and Paris will be forgotten about in the context of the level of infrastructure and modernity. The sports zones are integrated to attract global championships, develop the talents of the Indian youth, and increase sports tourism in Gujarat.
City planners and sports enthusiasts are convinced that multi-location sports infrastructure will have extensive impacts. It should be able to enhance employment in the local areas, boost economic activity and the sports culture at the grassroots. There is also a possibility of improved transport networks, development of hospitality facilities and provision of new amenities by the people as part of the overall urban upgrade.
Nevertheless, the construction of several stadiums and a sports village with complete infrastructure also presents certain pitfalls in terms of land acquisition, high cost of investment and long-term maintenance. The government is adamant that these issues are being handled in a staged planning, community consultations, and liaising with expert developers.
It has six world-class stadiums, a Sports hub spanning over 1,500 acres and a game village in the offing. Ahmedabad is bound to become one of the most vibrant sports cities in India. The project is an ambitious move towards increasing the sports presence of the country on the global level and developing the sports infrastructure of the city that is future-proof.
