Varanasi: Encouraged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Khelo India and Fit India campaigns, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) will soon set up international-level basketball courts for men and women players at JP Mehta Inter College sports ground.Mayor Ashok Tiwari said that in view of the PM Modi’s resolve to ensure sports facilities for all and that every player should get equal opportunity, many initiatives have already been taken. Now, the needs of emerging basketball players will soon be addressed. “Emerging basketball talents looking for a good platform, the VMC is bringing an international-level court at the JP Mehta Inter College Ground. As soon as the design is finalised, construction work will start on war-footing,” he added.After the VMC’s executive committee gave its green signal to this proposal, municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal inspected JP Mehta Inter College Ground and directed that this project be implemented at the earliest.The VMC’s general engineering department has already started work on this project. Currently, the department is engaged in preparing detailed drawings and designs of the court with the help of experts. The court will be developed according to international standards, which will include a synthetic surface, floodlights, and proper seating arrangements for spectators. Keeping in mind the convenience and safety of male and female players, construction of changing rooms and other basic infrastructure has also been proposed. Being located in the centre of the city, JP Mehta Ground was the most preferred practice venue for basketball players. The basketball court will not only provide local players with a better place to practise, but will also give new expansion to the sports culture in the city.
