Chandigarh (Naval Kishore): The Chandigarh Administration has intensified its efforts to establish the Union Territory as a premier sports destination following a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shri H. Rajesh Prasad on Tuesday. During the session, the Secretary Sports and department officials outlined the significant progress made during the 2025–26 fiscal year, highlighting the completion of an international-standard billiards and snooker hall in Sector 42 and the development of specialized chess centres and an international Boccia court. Further advancements included the installation of air conditioning in various indoor sports halls and the completion of an all-weather swimming pool in Sector 39, ensuring year-round training capabilities for local athletes.
Looking forward to the 2026–27 period, the Chief Secretary directed the immediate implementation of several high-priority projects to enhance athlete safety and performance facilities. These initiatives encompass the installation of CCTV cameras across all sports complexes and the laying of advanced astro-turf at the Sector 18 hockey stadium. Additionally, the synthetic athletic track in Sector 7 and facilities at the Lake Sports Complex are slated for significant upgrades. Prasad emphasized the importance of a coordinated and time-bound approach to ensure these infrastructures meet international standards and provide the necessary support for high-level competition.
In a bid to attract global attention, the Director of Sports confirmed that Chandigarh is actively bidding for prestigious events, including the Asian Relay Championship and the 21st Asian Roller Skating Championship, both scheduled for 2027. The administration is also preparing for the second iteration of the Chandigarh International Marathon, proposed for November 2026. To maintain a vibrant sporting culture, the department has been tasked with creating a comprehensive sports calendar that features regular national and international competitions throughout the year.
Financial support for athletes remains a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy, with approximately ₹22.12 crore in scholarships and ₹9.45 crore in cash awards disbursed over the past two years. To streamline these processes, the department is currently developing an online portal for grants-in-aid to sports associations and a centralized data bank of sportspersons. These digital tools are expected to improve transparency and accessibility for merit-based support, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence within the region.
