COIMBATORE: In a significant step towards accessible sports infrastructure in the state, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has submitted a proposal to the Tamil Nadu government seeking Rs 15 crore and approval to construct an international-level indoor sports complex exclusively for para-athletes.
The proposed facility, set to be developed on around one acre of corporation land at Kavundampalayam, is aimed at enabling para-athletes from the city and surrounding districts to train and compete on national and international platforms, including the Paralympic Games. If approved, it will be the first such dedicated indoor sports complex for para-athletes in Coimbatore.
Civic officials said the project is a natural extension of the CCMC's earlier inclusive initiatives. In the past, in association with Bosch and NGO RAAC, CCMC had established the 'Hope Park' at Kalapatti, a specially designed inclusive park catering to differently-abled children and adults. The park, which received an overwhelming response from the public, features inclusive equipment, a dedicated space for selling products made by differently-abled individuals, and a training centre aimed at promoting both physical and mental well-being of special children.
Encouraged by the success of 'Hope Park', the civic body decided to take the initiative a step further by creating a full-fledged sports facility, exclusively for para-athletes.
Speaking to TNIE, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said the proposed indoor sports complex would be designed to meet international standards. "A DPR for Rs 15 crore has already been submitted to the state government," he said.
He added that the government had directed the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) to review the proposal. "Based on SDAT's suggestions, minor changes were recommended in the design and infrastructure to ensure the facility meets international standards. These changes have been incorporated, and a revised DPR is being submitted on Wednesday," the commissioner said.