Chandigarh's Sec 38 badminton centre to be upgraded

In a massive push, the UT Sports Department has started the process of developing the Sector 38 sports complex as an exclusive centre of excellence for badminton by planning extension of the number of courts, developing seating arena and improving technical aspects, including adequate white lights all over the courts.

The arena, which currently houses facilities of badminton, swimming and squash — is majorly used for badminton and swimming (only in summer). To build a proper sitting arena and to have adequate 12 courts for hosting national or international events, the complex will now witness a proper makeover.

The Urban Planning Department of the UT Administration has started working on the project, and as per draft planning — the two squash courts, gym area, staff room and a mini store will now be removed, and instead a proper area will be developed. The seating area will have an open two-side view, and three more courts will be added to the current facility covering the entire stadium. The swimming pool will remain operational.

Coming to the technical part, the playing arena for badminton — which is currently covered with polyethylene tarpaulin sheets — will be covered properly to allow proper flight of the shuttle. Also, the department is planning to replace the LED lights — which were earlier installed to run the centre as a multipurpose purpose hall — with proper white lights to cover all courts. As per the set standard, the courts are expected to be covered with white light ranging from 200-300 lux for recreational play, 750-1000 lux for professional and club play and 1,500-2,000 lux for international tournaments (to help the broadcasters).

“We are developing the centre as an exclusive badminton facility. Hundreds of badminton players train on a daily routine, and it’s the need of the hour. We are also planning to upgrade the Sector 42 indoor basketball hall with all facilities, improvising on the seating arena with other upgrades,” said Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director, Sports, UT Sports Department. The Sector 38 arena has hosted a series of state and national events and hosted famous Indian players.

The indoor basketball stadium at the Sector 42 sports complex is also set for a makeover, majorly a change in the playing turf. The city’s first indoor basketball stadium, which was expected to get ready by 2009-10, was opened for players in 2014. The venue has also hosted various state and national events. Alongside the change of turf, the arena is also expected to get an upgraded sitting arena, changing rooms and a solution to excessive heat during summer.