Baramulla scores big as sports infrastructure upgrade takes lead

Baramulla, Jan 12: North Kashmir's Baramulla district is all set to witness a significant boost in its sports infrastructure, with the Sports Council approving a whopping Rs 2 crore for the setting up of high-tech chairs at the Bipin Rawat (Jhelum) Stadium. The wheels are already in motion, with construction work underway.

Also, the office of the Executive Engineer Construction Division Kashmir of J&K Sports Council, acting on behalf of the President of India and J&K UT, has issued an e-tender for the development of the synthetic football playfield at Azad Gunj Baramulla, adding to the excitement of the football lovers.

The e-tender has been issued for constructing a FIFA-approved synthetic turf football field, inviting bids from sports infrastructure companies, particularly those recognised as FIFA-preferred providers.

"These companies must demonstrate expertise in laying surfaces for prestigious events such as the World Cup, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and associated civil works," the document reads.

An official close to the developments revealed that projects totalling Rs 12 crore are in progress in the Baramulla district, as sanctioned by the Sports Council. Among them is the introduction of FIFA-approved Astroturf at Azad Gunj in Baramulla.

Furthermore, the foundation stone laying ceremony for an Athletic track at Khushaal Stadium in Sopore is slated in the coming days, promising additional state-of-the-art facilities for budding athletes.

"The inauguration of the all-weather sports net at Bipin Rawat (Jhelum) Stadium is also scheduled in the coming days. This cutting-edge addition will provide athletes and sports enthusiasts with top-notch facilities for training and competition. This facility is the first of its kind set up in Baramulla," an official said.

The official said that the J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha is scheduled to visit the Baramulla district soon. Expectations are high for major announcements regarding the further development of sports infrastructure.

Apart from Baramulla district, the development of Sports infrastructure is also on the cards in other districts as e-tenders have been issued for the construction of a synthetic football ground at Gassu Hazratbal, Srinagar and the development of a playfield by way of synthetic football turf at Shopian.