From Stadium to Sports City: Delhi’s JLN Set for Grand Transformation
The iconic Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in New Delhi is poised for a massive overhaul, with ambitious plans to transform the 102-acre complex into a state-of-the-art Sports City. This proposed redevelopment aims to create a multi-sport hub with world-class facilities, athlete accommodation, and spaces for entertainment, drawing inspiration from successful models in Qatar and Australia.
The existing JLN Stadium, constructed for the 1982 Asian Games, has been a landmark in India's sporting history. It underwent significant renovations ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games at a cost exceeding ₹900 crore. Most recently, the stadium hosted the World Para Athletics Championships, which led to the installation of a new, high-performance MONDO track designed to minimize injuries and enhance speed. Over the years, the stadium has served as a versatile venue for athletics, football, and even cricket matches, in addition to hosting numerous national and international concerts.
However, ministry sources indicate that the current utilization of the stadium's space is not optimal, with only about 28% of the area being actively used. The Sports City project seeks to address this by creating a dynamic and integrated complex that can host major sporting disciplines, provide top-notch training facilities, and offer lodging for athletes. The vision is to create a self-sufficient sports ecosystem, similar to the Aerocity model in Delhi, catering to all sporting needs in one location.
Under the proposed plan, the existing stadium structure would be dismantled to pave the way for new infrastructure. This includes potential indoor and outdoor arenas, practice fields, high-performance centers, and spectator-friendly spaces. The Sports City is also expected to include residential complexes, allowing athletes to stay close to the competition venues.
The project is currently in the proposal stage, and the timeline and budget are yet to be determined. Implementation will require coordination between various ministries and departments, including the Urban Development Ministry. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently visited Doha's Sports City, drawing inspiration from its modern and integrated design. Officials are also studying sports cities in Australia to develop the project framework.
As part of the redevelopment, offices currently housed within the stadium complex, including the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), and the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), will be relocated. The newly laid MONDO tracks might also be shifted to another facility.
The development of the JLN Sports City aligns with India's growing ambitions in the sports sector, including its bid for the 2036 Olympic Games and the anticipated hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The project aims to modernize India's sports infrastructure and create a world-class environment for athletes and sports enthusiasts.
