On Monday, the Delhi government approved the construction of a multi-game sports complex in the Najafgarh area.

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One of the primary concerns about the lack of sports development in this country is the access to good facilities.

The Delhi government’s decision to approve the construction of a 122 crore multi-game sports complex in the south-west corner of Najafgarh hopes to change that for talented athletes from rural Delhi and neighbouring Haryana.

The complex, which is slated to come up in Kair village in Najafgarh and spread across 18.20 acres, will have facilities for football basketball, tennis, track and field, swimming and cricket.

According to the Times of India, the project will be completed in two phases. The first phase, worth ₹10 crore, has already received the Delhi government’s sanction. Tennis, athletics swimming and basketball facilities are likely to be completed within six months, under phase-1.

In the second phase, the Delhi government is looking to build a sports academy and residential facilities. The plan is to open the complex within 18 months.

Those who stand to benefit most are talented athletes lying hidden in rural Delhi and neighbouring Haryana. Without access to decent sports facilities and poor infrastructure, many of them are unable to fulfil their true potential.

The determined ones take the long journey to stadiums located across Central Delhi for practice and training sessions. Many of them travel nearly 40 km to pursue their dreams of a career in professional sports, but the costs involved in this journey often take a toll. With a shoddy public transport network and infrastructure, these trips are usually long and arduous.

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Some naturally drop out as a result. Also, it’s exceedingly difficult to train or practice with the necessary intensity and rigour after travelling for two-three hours.

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Fortunately, the first FIFA-certified football stadium in this city already stands in the complex. After an inspection by officials from the global football body in November, it was approved for hosting international matches.

The complex will also host an international cricket stadium, which is under construction. Authorities believe that that this ground will rival the old and storied Feroz Shah Kotla.

Critical steps to acquiring the necessary land and ground-level clearances are out of the way, and the Public Works Department is in charge of developing the sports complex.

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