KOZHIKODE: The State School Sports Meet 2026 – Keralam’s biggest sports extravaganza – has returned to Kozhikode for the first time in 11 years. With the event kicking off on the NIT campus in Chathamangalam on Sunday, the young athletes will now compete on a brand new, international-standard synthetic track.
Built under a central scheme with an investment of Rs 8.09 crore, this 400-m, eight-lane polyurethane (PUR) track at the Major Dhyan Chand Sports Complex holds the World Athletics Class 2 certification.
Engineered by Hyderabad-based Great Sports Tech Ltd in accordance with Athletics Federation guidelines, the facility delivers a professional-grade running experience that has already earned high praise from legends like Olympic and Asian Games star M D Valsamma.
The upgraded arena is comprehensively equipped for field events and optimal athletic performance. The complex features four dedicated jumping pits alongside high-safety zones designed specifically for throwing events like the hammer throw, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw.
Maintenance and weather resilience have been given equal priority.
The natural grass football field inside the track features an advanced automated sprinkler system paired with a 6,000-litre underground water tank and a high-efficiency drainage system to clear rainwater instantly. Modern amenities, including VIP rooms and dedicated storage for sports gear, are also part of the campus upgrade.
Once widely known simply as the REC cricket ground, this revitalised sports arena represents a massive leap forward for regional sports infrastructure. With a surface built to absorb impact and support peak velocity, athletic coaches are optimistic that the new track will not only elevate performances but also pave the way for a flurry of new records.
“Our team already has state medallists and we hope that with such high quality tracks, our sports talents can perform much better and they will beat more records here,” said Jyothi Kumar, coach at Government Higher Secondary School Meenangadi.
