As Ahmedabad gears up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, concerns are mounting over the condition of its existing sports facilities. The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has proposed significant investments, but many venues remain in disrepair.
Sardar Patel Stadium, located in a prime area, exemplifies this neglect. Local athletes and community members have expressed frustration over limited access to public amenities, with even municipal school students reportedly unable to utilize corporation-run sports facilities.
The Naranpura Sports Complex, which cost over ₹731 crore to build, is under fire for its management. During a recent budget meeting, corporator Nirav Bakshi highlighted that despite being handed over to the Sports Authority of Gujarat, the AMC continues to foot the bill for cleaning and upkeep. “Citizens aren’t seeing the benefits they deserve,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sardar Patel Stadium shows clear signs of deterioration. With no visible renovation plans on the horizon, questions arise about preparedness for an event as significant as the Commonwealth Games.
In what some see as an added blow to local sports development, a plot near Sardar Patel Stadium was designated for an international-level tennis stadium back in 2020. Yet five years later, construction plans still await approval.
Opposition figures are urging city officials to prioritize incomplete projects before committing vast sums for future events. As it stands, Ahmedabad’s sporting infrastructure faces critical scrutiny just years ahead of showcasing itself on an international stage.