Delhi's JLN Stadium to be transformed into Sports City
What's the story
Delhi's iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is set for a major transformation into a 102-acre Sports City. The project, still in its proposal phase, aims to create state-of-the-art facilities for various sports and athlete accommodation. A source from the Sports Ministry confirmed to The Times of India that "the stadium will be dismantled" as part of this ambitious plan. The budget details are yet to be ascertained.
Relocation details
Relocation of offices inside stadium
The Sports Ministry source also revealed that "all offices inside the stadium, including the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA), National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), and Income Tax department, will be relocated" once the project takes off. The move comes as part of a broader plan to optimize land use and create hosting facilities for major sports disciplines, training facilities, athlete lodging, and even entertainment verticals.
Project execution
Feasibility study; framework development in progress
The implementation of this ambitious project will require coordination from various ministries and departments, including the Urban Development Ministry. Due to its complex nature, immediate commencement seems unlikely. The Sports Ministry source stressed that "it is an idea at this stage, but let's see how the feasibility study works out." They are currently studying sports cities in Qatar and Australia to develop a framework for the project.
Global influence
Design inspirations and existing sports cities in India
The design of India's Sports City is inspired by Doha's Sports City (617 acres) and Australia's Docklands Stadium in Melbourne. The latter is known for hosting multiple sports, including cricket, football, rugby, and more. In India, Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex spans 250 acres. It hosts cricket, aquatics, and tennis, among others.
Stadium legacy
History of JLN Stadium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, built for the 1982 Asian Games, underwent a ₹900 crore renovation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. It recently hosted the World Para-Athletics Championship with a new MONDO track. The iconic venue has hosted several important events in the past. Cricket was discontinued at this venue from 1991 due to technical reasons stated by the International Cricket Council (ICC).