Public access, sports ecosystem, professional coaching and

accountable stewardship to guide the development of three sports sites in

western Mumbai

Lucknow/Mumbai, 26 Aug (HS): Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal

(SVKM), a Mumbai based public charitable trust established in 1934, today set

out its vision to help create stronger, more inclusive and professionally

managed sports facilities for Mumbai. The initiative covers three distinct

sites licensed for limited periods by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

(BMC) and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). In

each case the SVKM holds a license for a limited period and ownership remains

with the state authorities.

These authorities have ensured that the arrangements

preserve the public character of the site and their existing land-use

safeguards while mandating SVKM to make several improvements for local

community. This includes continued public access at Lokmanya Tilak Garden

(Juhu), sports-related activity at D.N. Nagar (Cement Godown) and world class

sports amenities at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krida Sankul (Andheri Sports

Complex).

SVKM's approach is anchored in a simple public purpose of

improving the quality and range of sports infrastructure leading to a holistic

sports ecosystem, widen participation for a more inclusive approach across

social groups, different ages and enable more children and aspiring athletes to

access structured coaching and training, round the clock (24X7).

SVKM will bear the entire capital, operating and maintenance

expenditure required for the facilities. The agreement also provides for 50% of

gross revenue to be paid by SVKM to BMC, alongside an assured minimum payment

that escalates annually. User rates and use of the facility remain governed by

the authority and the agreement.

SVKM’s current commitment towards the sports is supported by

a team of more than 148 sports staff including certified coaches, sports

officers, sports co-ordinators and physical education teachers, alongside a PAN

India network across Mumbai, Shirpur, Dhule, Indore and Hyderabad, comprising

cricket grounds, football turfs, athletics tracks, indoor gymnasia and

facilities for tennis, basketball, pickleball, skating and squash.For

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krida Sankuladditional 40 to 50 certified coaches,

sports officers, sports co-ordinators and physical education teachers are

proposed to be deployed.

Amrishbhai Patel, President, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal

(SVKM), said, “As India pursues its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games and

other major international sporting events, we must build the infrastructure and

sporting culture required to support that ambition. Mumbai needs modern,

well-managed facilities where young athletes can train consistently,

communities can participate in sport and future champions can begin their

journey. Our effort is to help create that foundation. We are committed to

bring world class sports ecosystem to one lakh (1 lakh) young population of

Mumbai”

As a public charitable trust with more than nine decades of

institution-building experience, SVKM has invested over Rs. 100 crores in

development of an integrated sports ecosystem and consistently treated sport as

integral to the education and development of young people.

Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal is a Public Charitable Trust

registered under the Society’s Registration Act and Maharashtra Public Trust’s

Act. From its humble beginnings in 1934, when it took over the Rashtriya Shala,

a school established in 1921 in the wake of the National Movement, the Mandal

today has grown into nationally & internationally accredited educational

complex imparting high-level education to more than 1,50,000 students.

The ethos of the Mandal, is marked by patriotic fervor,

selfless service and a spirit of indigenous enterprise. These values permeate

all the institutions set up by the Mandal and are the guiding principles for

all of them.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi