Sports complexes boon for GMADA

Akash Ghai

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Tribune News Service

Mohali, June 23

The newly-constructed sports complexes in the town have been earning healthy revenue for Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), here.

The five sports complexes, located at Sector 59, 61, 65, 69 and 71 have brought in over Rs 1 crore for GMADA after these were thrown open to public about 15 months ago.

Dalip Rana, administrator of all the sports complexes, said these complexes were hugely popular among the Mohali residents. “This can be attributed to the fact that these complexes have brought in over Rs 1 crore and the membership has touched 3,000 mark,” he added.

Rana claimed that the members including budding sportspersons, children and sports enthusiasts of different age groups visit the complexes every day for various sports activities.

“Besides, we have been receiving a number of applications from enthusiasts who want to join the sports centers. In fact, now we find it hard to accommodate all the applicants,” said Rana while stating about the growing popularity of the complexes among local residents.

These complexes have facilities for swimming, basketball, skating, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, football and cricket.

Swimming is one of the most popular facilities among the residents. Two swimming pools — Sector 59 and 71 — witnessed huge rush of enthusiasts. “In our two all-weather pools, we have over 1,200 members as swimming is the most popular sport here. Badminton comes next as four badminton halls of the complexes saw nearly 450 members followed by basketball with 375 members. Next comes skating with 152 members. The number of membership in volleyball, football, cricket and lawn tennis is about 80, 140, 50 and 110, respectively.

Maintenance issue

Less number of coaches and maintenance staff is a problem at these complexes. “In absence of proper number of coaches, the budding sportspersons are not being taken care of properly,” said a parent adding that small children play on their own many a time without any expert guidance. Maintenance of these centres is also an issue as GMADA has yet to provide resources for the purpose. Rana admitted that for several maintenance works they have to depend on private services.