Ahmedabad: The current games framework in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar isn’t sufficient to offer for the Olympic Games in 2036. Of the two city’s 40 games offices, just half can possibly develop to the necessary guidelines. These are the discoveries of the fundamental report of the office that AUDA had delegated to set up an achievability report.
The agency has pointed out that much needs to be done to host the Olympic Games. It did an assessment of the existing sports infrastructure and future needs, studied sports and non-sports facilities and found that only half of the existing facilities are somewhat near what is needed for the Olympics. All the facilities are, however, only 30 minutes away from the proposed Olympic park.
The report said there is a need to develop infrastructure. Among the facilities existing and under development in the city include the world’s largest Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium and a massive sports complex currently under construction in Naranpura. In addition, there are 30 sports facilities in and around Ahmedabad. In the preliminary report, Ahmedabad was otherwise found to be suitable for hosting the Olympics as it is connected with three big cities and has national and international connectivity.
The city has the experience of holding international events like the 2017 Khel Mahakumbh. It will also host the FIFA Under-17 women’s World Cup in 2022. The city has also organised Vibrant Global Summit and Namaste Trump mega events.
The report said the 40 sites need small and big upgrades. Besides, sports facilities and hostels in universities and the Knowledge Corridor between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar can be upgraded and used for Olympics.
As per rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), all sports infrastructure and non-sports infrastructure should be within a 30-minute drive from the Olympic Park. Sports and non-sports infrastructure should be developed in accordance with that. According to the ‘Olympic Agenda 2020’, planning for future development of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar cities, comprehensive mobility plan and infrastructure upgradation should be done in a way that makes it feasible for holding the Olympic Games.
Roadmap for action after final report
AUDA officials said that the preliminary report consists of three phases:
- Condition of existing sports infrastructure in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
- Plan to upgrade existing sports infrastructure to international standards.
- Develop new sports infrastructure.
After the final report is submitted, in two and half months, efforts will be focussed on upgrading existing sports infrastructure to international level in a cost-effective manner. Thereafter, a roadmap will be prepared to take further action on a war-footing. Here, the state, central government and local authorities will work together.
Housing international athletes
The agency also conducted a survey about the condition of hostels of educational institutions. A study was done to see if they are suitable for hosting international athletes.
AUDA given charge of infrastructure
The Narendra Modi Stadium was built at the cost of Rs 800 crore in Motera. The sports complex attached to it is named as Sardar Patel sports complex. AUDA has been given the responsibility to create sports infrastructure for hosting Olympics in Ahmedabad. It recently asked collectors of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar to ban sale or lease of government land in 7 villages in Motera.