Ludhiana: A logistical hurdle involving mature trees has prompted a venue change for the city’s newest synthetic tennis facility, shifting the project from SCD Govt College to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).The relocation is part of a broader, multi-million-rupee sports infrastructure blitz aimed at modernizing the city’s training facilities for elite athletes by mid-2024. District sports officer (DSO) Kuldeep Chugh confirmed that while SCD Govt College was the original choice for the synthetic lawn tennis courts, “technical issues” and the presence of well-grown trees in the planned area made the site untenable.
The project has now been redirected to PAU, where existing cemented courts will undergo a ₹77 lakh transformation. The new synthetic surface is expected to be ready for play by May.SCD College Retains Volleyball HubDespite losing the tennis courts, SCD Govt College will still become a centerpiece for indoor sports. The department is moving forward with the construction of a high-tech indoor volleyball arena at the site, carrying an estimated price tag of ₹3.5 crore.The city’s athletic heart, Guru Nanak Stadium, is also undergoing a significant facelift. Key developments include elite fitness centre and multipurpose hall. A brand-new gym featuring the latest machinery and luxury recovery facilities, including a sauna, is scheduled to open by mid-March. A new facility located near the stadium is nearing completion. It will serve as a training ground for disciplines including volleyball, handball, judo, and gymnastics. There will be a dedicated indoor warmup athletics track.Officials are working on an aggressive schedule to provide athletes with these upgraded facilities before the peak summer training season. The estimated completion dates are March 15 for multipurpose hall Near Guru Nanak Stadium, mid-March for elite gym and sdauna at Guru Nanak Stadium, and May 31 for synthetic tennis courts on the PAU campus. The completion date for the indoor volleyball courts at SCD Govt College is yet to be announced.
