World-Class Facility to Strengthen Madhya Pradesh's Sporting Ecosystem

Bhopal to Host Asian Women's Hockey Championship in October–November

₹985.76-Crore Mega Sports Infrastructure Project Spread Across 136.296 Acres

Chief Minister Reviews Progress of Construction at Nathu Barkheda International Sports Complex

Bhopal, 03 August (H.S.)| Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has said that the International Sports Complex being developed at Nathu Barkheda in Bhopal will emerge as one of India's finest integrated sports infrastructure projects and position Madhya Pradesh prominently on the global sporting map. He said the state-of-the-art complex will not only provide world-class training facilities to athletes but will also enable Madhya Pradesh to host prestigious international sporting events, significantly enhancing the State's sporting profile.

Spread over 136.296 acres and being developed at a total cost of ₹985.76 crore, the International Sports Complex is among the largest sports infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Madhya Pradesh. Dr Yadav described the project as a landmark investment that reflects the State Government's commitment to nurturing sporting excellence and creating a world-class ecosystem for athletes.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the ongoing construction during his visit to the project site on Monday. He was accompanied by Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare and Cooperation Vishvas Kailash Sarang, Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Youth Commission Praveen Sharma, Secretary, Sports, Sanjeev Singh, Director, Sports, Anshuman Yadav, senior officials and sportspersons.

Asian Women's Hockey Championship to be Held in Bhopal

During the inspection, the Chief Minister visited the newly completed international-standard synthetic hockey turf. Sports Minister Shri Vishvas Kailash Sarang informed him that the hockey stadium, equipped with a 5,000-seat spectator pavilion, has been completed under the first phase of the project and will soon be handed over to the Sports Department.

He further informed that Bhopal will host the Asian Women's Hockey Championship during October–November this year, marking a significant milestone in the State's sporting journey. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that all infrastructure, logistics and operational arrangements are completed well in advance to facilitate the successful conduct of the prestigious continental tournament.

Officials also briefed the Chief Minister about the construction of two convention centres within the Sports Complex, which will support large-scale sporting and allied events.

International-Standard Athletics Facilities

Dr Yadav also reviewed the progress of the synthetic athletics track and other facilities being developed for athletes.

Vishvas Kailash Sarang informed that the athletics stadium is being built in accordance with the standards prescribed by World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India. The facility will include an international-standard synthetic track, a warm-up track and a 10,000-seat pavilion, enabling the venue to host national and international athletics competitions.

A full-sized football ground is also being developed within the athletics arena, creating a multi-purpose sporting venue capable of hosting multiple disciplines. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that every aspect of the complex meets international benchmarks and provides world-class facilities for athletes, officials and spectators alike.

Mega Sports Hub Being Developed in Three Phases

The International Sports Complex is being developed in three phases with the vision of transforming Madhya Pradesh into one of India's leading sporting destinations.

The first phase, which has now been completed, comprises an athletics stadium with a synthetic track, warm-up facilities and pavilion, along with an international-standard hockey stadium featuring a synthetic turf, practice ground and spectator facilities.

The second phase, targeted for completion by November 2026, includes an indoor sports complex, an all-weather swimming complex, hostel accommodation for 150 boys and 150 girls, and an equestrian cross-country track.

The third phase envisages the construction of a modern cricket stadium and an international-standard cycling velodrome, further expanding the State's sporting infrastructure.

The State Government has accorded administrative approval of ₹357.96 crore for the first phase and ₹627.80 crore for the second phase, taking the total sanctioned project cost to ₹985.76 crore.

Encouraging Future Soldiers

During his visit, Chief Minister Dr Yadav also interacted with candidates participating in the ongoing Indian Army recruitment drive being conducted by the Army Recruitment Office, Bhopal, at the Sports Complex.

The candidates had successfully cleared the initial stage of the recruitment process and were undergoing physical and medical examinations.

Recruitment Officer J.S. Singh informed the Chief Minister that nearly 4,500 candidates had been called for the recruitment process, of whom approximately 3,000 are expected to be selected. He said Madhya Pradesh currently has four Army Recruitment Offices, and the ongoing recruitment process in Bhopal is scheduled to conclude by December 2026.

The selected candidates will commence their six-month military training from 1 January 2027.

Shri Singh also informed that recruitment for 175 Religious Teachers (Dharm Gurus) in the Indian Army is presently underway for the Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh region.

Chief Minister Dr Yadav interacted with the aspirants, encouraged them to serve the nation with dedication and discipline, and extended his best wishes for their successful induction into the Indian Army.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi