Multi-sports complex opened at Rurka Kalan

The Youth Football Club (YFC), Rurka Kalan, in partnership with the Generation Amazing Foundation, a FIFA World Cup 2022 sponsor, has launched a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex in Rurka Kalan to promote grassroots sports development.

Advertisement

The facility aims to nurture young talent by providing the world-class infrastructure and training to aspiring athletes.

The Generation Amazing Community Club was inaugurated on February 24 at Rurka Kalan after the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that signed recently in Chandigarh.

The Rs 8 crore project is expected to benefit over 10,000 children by offering free sports training under qualified coaches.

Gurmangal Das, founder and CEO of the YFC, highlighted the project's transformative impact on the community. "When we started the YFC-Rurka Kalan in 2001, our goal was to provide sports facilities to every child in the village. This new investment will give thousands of children access to high-quality training at no cost," he said.

The first phase of the project includes six-acre sports grounds, featuring a football pitch, a 50-station gym, a sports hall for table tennis and pickleball, an auditorium and a 32-bed dormitory for resident trainees.

The second phase will add an indoor hall, a 2,000-3,000 capacity pavilion for national-level football matches and a swimming pool.

As part of the collaboration, coach Hamad Abdulaziz from Qatar conducted a four-day "Train-the-Trainer" programme to enhance the skills of local coaches in football and basketball. The initiative is part of the Generation Amazing Foundation's global mission to empower the youth through sports, following similar projects in Qatar, the Philippines, Rwanda and Jordan.

Jassim Al-Ali, Executive Director of the Generation Amazing Foundation, emphasised the shared vision between the two organisations. "Since 2017, we've seen how YFC's dedication to grassroots sports aligns with our own goals. This partnership will enhance infrastructure, coaching and player's growth in the region," he said.

The launch event was attended by former Indian international footballer Anwar Ali, who credited the YFC-Rurka Kalan for shaping his career. Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang praised the initiative, while former Deputy Mayor of Derby, the UK, Balbir Sandhu lauded the role of NRIs in supporting grassroots sports.

Dignitaries, including Arjuna awardees Rajinder Singh Rahelu, Gurdev Singh Gill and Kartar Singh, along with representatives from sport for development organisations, Punjab Football Association members and Gram Panchayat of Rurka Kalan, were also present at the event.

"The facility is set to become a hub for sports development in the region, offering young athletes the resources and opportunities to excel at national and international levels", said Gurmangal Das.