VNSGU Clears Rs.400 Cr Sports Complex to Power Olympic Dreams

Surat | Gujarat — In a landmark decision set to redefine the sporting landscape of South Gujarat, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) has approved the construction of a state-of-the-art ₹400 crore sports complex on its campus, marking a bold step as it approaches its Diamond Jubilee year.

The decision, cleared at the Board of Management meeting, aims to create an international-level training ecosystem not just for the university’s 2 lakh students, but for nearly 1.5 crore people across seven districts of South Gujarat.

Vision 2030–2036: Preparing for Global Stage

With India bidding to host the 2036 Olympics and Gujarat positioning Ahmedabad as an “Olympic Ready City,” VNSGU’s ambitious blueprint aligns with the national sporting vision. The primary objective is to nurture local talent capable of representing India at the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.

Vice Chancellor Kishoresinh Chavda described the project as a “dream turning into reality.” He said, “As VNSGU enters its 61st year, we have envisioned a sports complex that provides world-class coaching, practice and health facilities to athletes of South Gujarat.”

Day-Night Stadium, Olympic Pool and High-Performance Centre

At the heart of the project is the transformation of the university’s existing cricket ground into a 14,000-capacity day-night stadium equipped with floodlights and an international-standard pitch. The facility is expected to host major tournaments and serve as a premier training venue. Box cricket arenas will further benefit budding cricketers from Surat.

Swimming and athletics infrastructure will also see a major upgrade. Alongside the current pool, a new Olympic-size swimming pool with a 300-plus spectator gallery will be constructed. The hockey ground and athletic track will be modernised to replicate real Olympic conditions.

A five-storey High-Performance Centre will anchor indoor sports development. It will house dedicated facilities for badminton, table tennis, shooting, kho-kho, volleyball and pickleball. The centre will focus on scientific training methods and technical coaching to enhance athlete performance.

Beyond Grounds: Health and Accommodation

The sports complex will include modern gyms, physiotherapy centres, primary health facilities and a rest house for visiting players and team managers, ensuring holistic athlete development.

Funding and Timeline

The ₹400 crore project will be funded through support from the state and central governments, along with CSR contributions from industrial houses and NGOs. The target is to complete the facilities within three years.

Chavda emphasised, “Our goal is to inspire athletes from 1.5 crore people of South Gujarat. When India competes in the 2036 Olympics, we hope players trained here will carry the tricolour forward.”