Long wait ends for residents

Residents of Rewa have finally received some good news after months of waiting. The municipal corporation reopened the Mihir Sen swimming pool for the general public on Saturday, 8 June. The facility, which remains shut for nearly two years for major repairs, is now available for both regular swimmers and occasional visitors.

Locals turned up in small numbers on the first morning, with many expressing relief that the pool is functional again before the summer peaks.

Two payment options for users

The corporation has introduced a flexible fee structure to accommodate different types of users. Those who wish to swim regularly can opt for a monthly membership of ₹2,500. For residents who plan to use the pool only once in a while, an hourly rate of ₹100 has been fixed.

Officials said the idea is to ensure the pool remains accessible without discouraging casual swimmers. “Not everyone can commit to a monthly plan. The hourly option is for college students and working professionals,” a municipal officer explained.

Three sessions, one reserved for women

The pool will operate in three different time slots through the day. The morning session from 6 AM to 10 AM is open for all. In a notable move, the corporation has reserved the evening slot between 5 PM and 6 PM exclusively for women, keeping safety and convenience in mind.

The final session from 6 PM to 8 PM is again open for all. To avoid overcrowding, authorities have capped entry at 30 swimmers per session.

Strict documentation, age rules in place

Registration is mandatory before anyone can enter the pool. Applicants need to produce either an Aadhaar card, voter ID, marksheet, or birth certificate at the time of registration. Children below 18 years must carry written consent from a parent or guardian.

Officials have also clarified that kids under five years will not be allowed inside the pool area at all. “This is purely a safety measure. Young children require separate facilities which we do not have here,” a corporation source said.

For children aged between 5 and 14 years, presence of a parent or guardian is compulsory throughout the swimming session.

Lifeguards deployed, diving pool remains shut

The corporation has deployed trained lifeguards and swimming instructors for every session. Swimmers who do not know how to swim will only be allowed in the shallow section. Additionally, anyone suffering from a contagious disease will be denied entry to prevent health risks for others.

Meanwhile, the diving pool adjacent to the main facility will remain closed until further orders. Officials cited safety concerns and said a decision on reopening it will be taken only after a thorough review of standards.

Private operator yet to be finalised

According to municipal authorities, the process to select a private agency for long-term operation and maintenance of the pool is still underway. But given persistent public demand, the corporation has decided to run the facility on its own for now.

"We did not want to delay the reopening any further. The tender process takes time, but citizens needed access immediately,” a senior official said.

Residents have been asked to follow all posted rules and cooperate with security staff during their visit.

Uttarakhand is moving ahead with one of its most ambitious sports infrastructure projects as the state prepares to establish its first-ever International Sports University in Haldwani’s Golapar area. The proposed university is being developed as part of the state government’s long-term vision to transform Uttarakhand into a “sports land” and position it as a national hub for athletic excellence, sports science, and high-performance training.

The International Sports University in Uttarakhand is expected to become a pioneering institution in India, focusing not only on sports training but also on academics, research, sports medicine, and technology-driven athletic development. Officials have stated that the project is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots sports talent and international-level performance standards.

Strategic Sports Vision

The foundation of the International Sports University Uttarakhand reflects the state’s broader strategy to invest in sports as a major sector of growth. Known for producing talented athletes in disciplines such as athletics, boxing, and endurance sports, Uttarakhand aims to create a structured ecosystem where young athletes can receive world-class education and training under one roof. The university is expected to support the state’s “Sports Land” vision by developing a sustainable pipeline of athletes who can compete at national and international levels. Authorities believe that the institution will help convert raw sporting talent from hilly and rural regions into professional athletes.

Location and Infrastructure Plan

The university is being developed in Golapar, Haldwani, a strategically important location in the Kumaon region. The area has been chosen due to its accessibility, expanding urban infrastructure, and availability of land suitable for large-scale sports facilities. Plans for the International Sports University in Haldwani include modern training grounds, indoor and outdoor stadiums, athletics tracks, and specialized facilities for multiple sports disciplines. The campus is also expected to include advanced laboratories for sports science, biomechanics, nutrition, and physiotherapy. Authorities are also considering residential facilities for athletes, coaching staff, and international trainers, making it a fully integrated sports education campus.

Academic and Training Focus

The proposed university will not function as a traditional academic institution alone. Instead, it will combine sports education with scientific and technical training. Courses are expected to include sports management, sports psychology, physical education, coaching science, and performance analytics. The International Sports University Uttarakhand will also focus heavily on research-based training methods. Officials have indicated that collaborations with national and international sports bodies will be encouraged to ensure global exposure for students and athletes. The curriculum is expected to be aligned with international standards, ensuring that graduates are capable of working as professional athletes, coaches, analysts, or sports administrators globally.

Boost to Local Talent

One of the key objectives of the project is to identify and nurture talent from Uttarakhand’s remote and rural regions. The state has historically produced strong athletes in endurance-based sports due to its geographical conditions, but lack of infrastructure has often limited their progress.

With the establishment of the International Sports University in Haldwani, young athletes will have access to structured coaching, scientific training methods, and exposure to competitive sports environments. This is expected to significantly improve their chances of competing at higher levels, including national championships and international events.

Economic and Employment Impact

Beyond sports development, the project is expected to generate significant economic activity in the region. The construction and operation of the university will create employment opportunities in infrastructure development, coaching, administration, hospitality, and sports services.

Local businesses in Haldwani and nearby areas are also expected to benefit from increased activity as the campus attracts students, trainers, and sports professionals from across India and abroad.

The government views the International Sports University Uttarakhand as a long-term investment that will contribute not only to sports but also to tourism and regional development.

Government’s Sports Mission

The Uttarakhand government has been actively promoting sports infrastructure across the state, and this university is being seen as a flagship project under that initiative. Officials believe that creating a dedicated sports university will help institutionalise athletic training and reduce dependence on informal coaching systems. The state has also been hosting national-level sports events and developing stadiums in various districts as part of its broader sports promotion strategy. The new university is expected to complement these efforts and serve as a central hub for sports excellence.

Once completed, the International Sports University in Haldwani is expected to become one of India’s most advanced sports education centres. Experts believe it could also attract international partnerships, training programs, and exchange opportunities with global sports institutions. In the long term, the university may play a key role in improving India’s performance in international sporting events by producing scientifically trained athletes with access to world-class infrastructure.

-----------

PM Modi Inaugurates Six BCCI Indoor Cricket Academies in Northeast

Prime Minister virtually launches modern indoor facilities across six northeastern states, giving a major push to year-round cricket training in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually inaugurated six state-of-the-art indoor cricket academies developed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) across the Northeast, marking a significant boost to the region's emerging cricket ecosystem.

The event took place as Modi was in Gangtok, Sikkim, where he was on an official visit. From there, he formally opened the facilities located in Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland). Senior BCCI officials and ICC Chairman Jay Shah attended the ceremony, with state cricket administrators joining through video link.

Major Infrastructure Push

These academies come as part of the BCCI’s sustained effort to strengthen cricket infrastructure in the Northeast, a region long affected by challenging weather conditions, particularly heavy monsoons that disrupt outdoor training for months. Officials familiar with the project said the indoor facilities will allow players to train throughout the year without having to travel outside their states.

In Manipur, the new academy at Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium in Luwangsangbam, Imphal, has drawn particular attention. Funded by the BCCI, the facility includes three indoor practice pitches, a gymnasium, an administrative office, and temperature-controlled swimming pools. Manipur Cricket Association secretary Lairenjam Geetranjan Singh called it a “historic moment” for cricket in the state. He thanked Jay Shah for his support during his earlier tenure as BCCI Secretary and noted that the Board will handle maintenance and operational costs for the next two years.

Year-Round Training Benefits

Speaking about the practical impact, Singh highlighted how the indoor setup will help local players, especially during the rainy season. Training camps and coaching sessions can now continue uninterrupted. He also pointed to Manipur’s recent domestic success — reaching finals in five BCCI tournaments in the 2025 season and winning two Under-19 titles — as a sign of growing talent that these facilities can further nurture.

Similar benefits are expected in the other states. The BCCI has positioned these academies as high-performance centres that will provide better access to quality training for young cricketers across the region. Sources in the board indicated the project was conceptualised under Jay Shah’s leadership as BCCI Secretary, with foundation stones laid in May 2024.

PM’s Emphasis on Sports Talent

During the virtual inauguration, Prime Minister Modi underscored the role of such infrastructure in tapping into the sporting potential of the Northeast. He said these facilities would help nurture local talent and create stronger opportunities for young players, contributing to a more vibrant sports culture in the area.

Later in the day, Modi shared a lighter moment from his Gangtok visit. He posted on X a video of himself playing football with youngsters on a pleasant morning. “Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!” he wrote, drawing warm reactions online. The visuals showed the Prime Minister engaging playfully with the children, highlighting his personal connect with sports and youth.

Building a Regional Cricket Ecosystem

The inauguration of these six academies is being seen as a step towards building a more cohesive cricket ecosystem in the Northeast. For years, talented players from these states have often faced limitations due to inadequate facilities and seasonal disruptions. The new indoor infrastructure aims to bridge that gap by offering modern, weather-proof training environments.

BCCI office-bearers, including President Mithun Manhas, Secretary Devajit Saikia, and others, were present during the event, reflecting the board’s commitment to grassroots development beyond traditional cricket strongholds.

Cricket administrators in the Northeast have welcomed the development, viewing it as validation of the growing interest and potential in the region. With better facilities now in place, expectations are rising for improved performances in domestic tournaments and, eventually, greater representation at higher levels.

As one official noted, consistent training is key to producing quality players. These academies could prove crucial in that journey, especially for states where outdoor grounds often remain waterlogged for extended periods.

The BCCI is expected to monitor the utilisation of these facilities closely in the coming months. While the board will support operations initially, long-term success will depend on how effectively state associations integrate them into their talent development programmes.

For the young cricketers of the Northeast, Tuesday’s development brings tangible hope — the chance to train seriously, stay competitive, and dream bigger without the usual constraints of geography and weather.

India bids to host 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad; OCA team to visit

India formally proposes Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2038 Asian Games, with the Olympic Council of Asia set to conduct a feasibility recce soon.

India has formally submitted a proposal to host the 2038 Asian Games, earmarking Ahmedabad as the primary host city. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) presented the vision during the Executive Board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) held in Sanya, China, on Thursday.

The continental governing body has acknowledged India's interest and confirmed that an evaluation team will visit the country shortly. This technical committee will assess the existing infrastructure and the rapid development currently underway in Gujarat’s capital. The move aligns with India's broader strategy to establish itself as a global sporting superpower.

Multi-nation race for 2038

India is not alone in its pursuit of the 2038 slot. According to officials, South Korea and Mongolia have also expressed formal interest in hosting the event. The OCA board discussed these preliminary proposals in Sanya, noting that the competition for the games will be rigorous given the long-term infrastructure commitments required.

The 2026 edition is slated for Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, followed by Doha in 2030 and Riyadh in 2034. By targeting 2038, India aims to secure the next available window in the continental calendar, reinforcing its recent successful bid for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.

Ahmedabad as sports epicenter

The Gujarat government has already fast-tracked the construction of world-class facilities to support this ambitious bid. Central to this plan is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. This massive complex, spread over 355 acres, is designed to house an aquatics center, a tennis hub, and multiple indoor arenas.

Further infrastructure is being developed at the Karai Sports Hub in Gandhinagar. This 143-acre site will feature a dedicated athletics stadium and a high-tech shooting complex. These projects are intended to serve a dual purpose, supporting both the 2038 Asian Games and India’s ongoing pitch for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Return after five decades

If successful, the 2038 Games would mark the return of the "Asiad" to Indian soil after a gap of 56 years. India famously hosted the inaugural Asian Games in 1951 and the 1982 edition, both of which were centered in New Delhi. This would be the first time the event is hosted outside the national capital.

"We have shared our vision for 2038 with the OCA leadership," an IOA statement confirmed. The meeting, attended by IOA President PT Usha and OCA chief Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, focused on athlete pathways and regional collaboration alongside the formal hosting pitch.

Strategic infrastructure cost benefits

Sports ministry sources indicated that hosting the 2038 Asian Games is a "logical and cost-effective" step. Since Ahmedabad will already have completed its infrastructure for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and potentially the 2036 Olympics, the marginal cost for the Asian Games would be significantly lower.

By reusing existing world-class venues, India hopes to avoid the "white elephant" syndrome often associated with large-scale sporting events. The integrated urban development plan for Ahmedabad includes multimodal transport hubs and athlete villages that can be repurposed for residential use post-games.

Evaluation team’s upcoming visit

The upcoming OCA recce is expected to focus on technical specifications, including broadcast capabilities, transport logistics, and hotel inventory. The evaluation team will also review the "Sports City" draft budget, which has seen record allocations from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation this year.

"The visit will be a critical milestone," said a senior official from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. "It allows us to demonstrate that our timelines for the 2030 and 2036 projects are on track, making 2038 a seamless transition for the continental body."

Long-term sporting roadmap

This latest development is part of a larger "India News Update" regarding the country’s 10-year mission to boost its Olympic profile. Beyond the Asian Games, India has already secured the hosting rights for the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar.

The 2038 Asian Games bid is viewed as the final piece of the puzzle in India's decade of dominance in sports administration. As the nation awaits the OCA's feedback, the focus remains on the rapid execution of ground-level projects in Ahmedabad to ensure the city is "Games-ready" well ahead of schedule.

MCA to Build India's Second-Largest Cricket Stadium in Navi Mumbai

Proposed 1 lakh-seat venue set to surpass Eden Gardens, only behind Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium

Mega Project Unveiled

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has formally initiated the process to develop India’s second-largest cricket stadium in Navi Mumbai. The venue, planned within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), will accommodate 1,00,000 spectators. Officials confirmed that the project aims to redefine sporting infrastructure and fan experience in the country.

Talks with Government

MCA president Ajinkya Naik met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to outline the roadmap for this state-of-the-art facility. According to sources, Naik also held detailed discussions with Vijay Singhal, Managing Director of CIDCO, to secure land for the ambitious project. The state government has reportedly extended its support for swift clearances.

Seating Capacity Record

Once completed, the Navi Mumbai stadium will be the second-largest cricket venue in India. Currently, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad leads with 1,32,000 seats. The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which holds 68,000 spectators, will drop to third place. Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium (50,100) and Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield Stadium (50,000) will follow further behind.

MCA Chief’s Remarks

“This initiative marks a defining moment for Maharashtra’s sporting ecosystem,” Naik said in a press release. “A 1 lakh capacity stadium in the MMR will not only elevate Mumbai cricket but also firmly position Maharashtra on the global sporting map.” He added that the infrastructure would create unparalleled opportunities for player development and talent exposure.

India’s Largest Stadiums

Cricket stadiums in India have grown in scale and quality over the past decade. The Narendra Modi Stadium, renamed in 2021, has hosted the ODI World Cup and recently the T20 World Cup final. Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, which witnessed India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, currently seats only 33,100 fans – highlighting the need for a larger venue in the region.

Impact on Maharashtra

The proposed stadium is expected to boost cricket infrastructure across all levels. According to officials, the facility will include world-class practice pitches, drainage systems, and spectator amenities. Local coaches and players may gain access to high-performance training modules. The project could also generate significant employment during construction and operational phases.

Roadmap Ahead

MCA has started the land acquisition process with CIDCO. While no official deadline has been set, sources indicated that feasibility studies are underway. The association aims to complete the stadium before any major international tournament bidding cycle. Once operational, Navi Mumbai will join Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai as hosts of mega cricket events.

MPCA to provide monthly financial aid to former women cricketers

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association has also approved an honorarium hike for umpires and scorers while extending Chandrakant Pandit’s tenure.

In a significant move to bolster the welfare of athletes, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced a new monthly financial assistance scheme for former women cricketers. The decision was ratified during a high-profile management committee meeting held on March 31, where the body also approved a horizontal hike in the honorarium for match officials, selectors, and coaches.

The meeting, chaired by MPCA President Mahanaryaman Scindia, focused on rewarding the contributors of the game at the grassroots and domestic levels. A key highlight was the reappointment of veteran coach Chandrakant Pandit as the 'Director of Cricket' for Madhya Pradesh for the next two years, ensuring continuity in the state's cricketing strategy following recent successes.

Support for women veterans

President Mahanaryaman Scindia moved the proposal to support women players who do not receive financial aid from the BCCI. This initiative aims to provide a social security net for those who dedicated their careers to the state and the country before the era of professional contracts.

Under the new scheme, former international players (Test and ODI) will receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,500. Domestic players will be eligible for amounts ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000, determined by the number of matches played. Furthermore, players aged 75 and above will receive an additional ₹7,500 as an age-linked benefit.

Revised honorarium structure

The management committee also addressed the long-standing demand for a revision in the pay scales of match officials. The MPCA has officially increased the honorarium for selectors, umpires, and scorers. Coaches and support staff will also see a bump in their daily allowances and incentive structures.

This revision is part of a broader effort to professionalize the domestic circuit in Madhya Pradesh. Officials stated that existing financial aid for retired male players and umpires, which the association was already providing, has also been scaled up to keep pace with rising costs.

Mandatory certification exams

To maintain high standards of officiating, the MPCA has introduced a merit-based system for match officials. The association will conduct mandatory examinations for scorers and umpires before the commencement of the next domestic season.

These exams will serve as a filter for inducting new talent into the MPCA panel. The body intends to ensure that only qualified individuals handle state-level matches, thereby improving the overall quality of game management across all age groups.

Infrastructure and academies

The MPCA is also pivoting toward rapid infrastructure development in regional pockets. The committee approved the construction of pavilion blocks at the association’s grounds in Morena (Chambal) and Narmadapuram. These facilities are expected to be operational by the 2026-27 financial year.

Beyond physical buildings, the association is drafting a blueprint to establish cricket academies at every ground owned by the MPCA. This decentralized approach is expected to tap into rural talent more effectively than the current centralized model.

Digital transformation drive

In a bid to modernize operations, the committee discussed the integration of advanced technology in coordination with divisional units. The MPCA plans to implement a mandatory online scoring system for all divisional-level matches starting next season.

This move toward transparency will allow for real-time tracking of player performance data. "The goal is to bring precision to our selection process and ensure that every performance in the hinterland is recorded digitally," an MPCA official noted during the proceedings.

Future roadmap ahead

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks for the successful hosting of the Women’s World Cup fixtures and the international match against New Zealand. The management expressed confidence that these welfare measures would encourage more women to take up the sport professionally.

With the latest news today highlighting the shift toward athlete-centric policies, the MPCA's decision is being viewed as a benchmark for other state units. These Government updates and association policies reflect a growing commitment to the English News Portal India readers who follow the evolution of the sport closely. As part of this Public Interest Story, the association has invited eligible players to submit their applications for the stipend program immediately to ensure timely disbursement. This Trending News India update signals a positive turn for domestic cricket veterans.