Ahmedabad is undergoing a significant transformation, reimagining itself as a sporting hub and potentially reshaping urban development in India. This ambitious endeavor, driven by a vision to host major international events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, is manifesting through massive investments in sports infrastructure, policy revisions, and a concerted effort to cultivate a sports culture.
Infrastructure Overhaul At the heart of Ahmedabad's sporting ambition lies a massive infrastructure push. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Sports Enclave, under development in Motera with a projected cost of ₹6,000 crore, is poised to be a cornerstone of this transformation. This enclave will house the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest cricket venue, and facilities for various other sports. A village for athletes' accommodation is also planned around the enclave.
Beyond the SVP Sports Enclave, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is actively developing sports complexes across the city. These include five large sports complexes in areas like Gota, Bopal–Ghuma, Ranip, Naroda, and Nikol, with budgets ranging from ₹200 crore to ₹250 crore. The AMC has also established mini sports complexes in every city zone. One such example is the 24/7 Sports Activity Centre in Ranip, featuring facilities for box cricket, pickleball, table tennis, and more, operating under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, built at a cost of ₹825 crore, calling it the largest and most modern sports complex in India. The complex is equipped with facilities for athlete training, medical support, and even a Fit India Zone.
Policy and Planning This infrastructural development is accompanied by strategic policy revisions and urban planning adjustments. Ahmedabad has revised its town planning schemes to include dedicated sports infrastructure and open spaces. The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) is redrawing neighboring Shela's Town Planning Scheme to accommodate more parking space and wider roads to support the South West Ahmedabad Sports Arena (SWASA). Land is also being rezoned to facilitate the development of residential and sports infrastructure projects. The AMC has also unveiled a draft policy for temporary structures for sports like box cricket and pickleball. A new sports policy in Gujarat aims to establish a sports goods manufacturing cluster in the state and encourage private sector participation in setting up High Performance Centers (HPC).
Cultivating a Sports Culture Beyond infrastructure and policy, Ahmedabad is actively working to cultivate a vibrant sports culture. Ahmedabad University has a sports policy aimed at developing sports culture, creating guidelines for athletes, and promoting participation in competitions. The Sports Authority of Gujarat oversees sporting activities and encourages sports culture through various initiatives. The government is also promoting initiatives like Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games, and Khelo India Winter Games. The new sports policy prioritizes early talent identification, scientifically backed training, and athlete welfare.
Challenges and Considerations While Ahmedabad's sporting transformation holds immense promise, it also faces certain challenges. One concern is the need to ensure that the benefits of this development are inclusive and reach all sections of society. There are also concerns about whether there is a genuine sporting culture in Ahmedabad outside of cricket. Some critics argue that other states might be more deserving of hosting major sporting events based on existing sports culture and the performance of their athletes.
Looking Ahead Despite these challenges, Ahmedabad's commitment to becoming a sports hub is undeniable. The city is actively bidding for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and preparing for a potential bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. With its world-class infrastructure, strategic planning, and focus on nurturing sporting talent, Ahmedabad is poised to not only transform its urban landscape but also inspire a new generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts across India. The success of Ahmedabad's sporting experiment could serve as a model for other Indian cities seeking to leverage sports for urban development and social transformation.
