Maintaining 2010 CWG infrastructure a 'challenge': Gill

Sports Minister M S Gill inaugurated the Rugby Stadium at the Delhi University campus, one of the Commonwealth Games venues, and admitted maintaining the magnificent structures after the October 3-14 showpiece event here is going to be a big "challenge".

"I am happy to inaugurate this beautiful venue where the Rugby 7s discipline will be held during Commonwealth Games. It is really good that such a sprawling complex has come up in the University campus within two years time," Gill said.

"But I think, its a challenge to maintain the facilities those are coming up for the Delhi Games. It is one of the main challenge before organisers of big international events all around the world and so to India," Gill told reporters.

However, Gill assured that a proper strategy for the same will be formulated soon.

"Different ideas regarding that are currently being explored. Whatever we do, will do for all," Gill said.

The state-of-the-art sports complex, which has come up at a cost of Rs 306.41 crore provided by Union Sports Ministry, will also be a training venue for netball, boxing, women's wrestling and athletics during the Games.

The fully air-conditioned stadium structure has a total build-up area of 10,000 square kilometer, while the main ground boasts of features like auto-sprinkling technology, underground drainage system and natural grass, seeds of which have been imported from the USA.

Ten thousand spectators can enjoy the actions with permanent seating arrangement for 2,500 while the temporary arrangements will be made for another 7,500.

Besides, the environment friendly features of the complex include ozone system for air-freshening and latest less power consuming air-conditioning system.

Gill, after taking a round of the venue, also hoped such facilities will inculcate sporting culture among the students.

"Around 40-45 per cent of Indian population is young. We have to inculcate sporting culture among them if the country wants to move ahead in the new millennium. I hope such facility will help the cause. It's a gift to the DU," Gill said.

"Besides giving facilities, the sportspersons should also be encouraged with other means like quota in all educational institutions or some scholarship programmes can also be launched for them," the Minister added.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, also an alumni of the University, hoped that the facility will be a "great legacy" for the institution.

"I expect that the facility will drive more and more students to come to the sports arena," she said.

Among others, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental was present on the occasion.