Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reviewed Bhopal’s International Sports Complex and ordered timely preparations for the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Monday inspected the under-construction International Sports Complex at Nathu Barkheda and said the project would help establish Bhopal as a recognised destination for international sporting events.
Built at a cost of Rs 985.76 crore across 136.296 acres, the facility is one of Madhya Pradesh’s biggest sports infrastructure projects and is expected to strengthen the state’s ambition of becoming a national sports hub. The first phase has been completed, while the second phase is targeted for completion by November 2026.
Chief Minister Highlights Global Sports Vision
During the inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed the newly built international-standard synthetic hockey turf and athletics facilities. He said hosting global sporting events would give Bhopal a stronger identity on the international sports map while creating better opportunities for athletes from Madhya Pradesh.
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang, officials of the Sports Department, members of the Madhya Pradesh Youth Commission and players were present during the inspection.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to complete all arrangements well before the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship, which will be organised on the new synthetic hockey turf in October-November. The event will be among the first major international competitions hosted at the complex.
Hockey Stadium Ready for International Competition
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the hockey stadium, along with its international-standard synthetic turf and a 5,000-seat pavilion, has been completed under the first phase. The Sports Department is expected to take possession of the facility shortly.
Two convention centres are also being developed within the sports complex to support major sporting events and related activities.
Athletics Track Designed to Global Standards
The Chief Minister also inspected the synthetic athletics track being developed according to the standards of World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India.
The athletics stadium will include a 10,000-seat pavilion and a football ground at the centre of the track. He directed officials to ensure high-quality facilities for both athletes and spectators.
Project to Be Developed in Three Phases
The International Sports Complex is being built in three stages to accommodate multiple sporting disciplines.
The first phase includes the athletics stadium, warm-up track and hockey stadium with a practice field. The second phase will add an indoor sports complex, an all-weather swimming complex, hostels for 300 athletes, and an equestrian cross-country track. The third phase proposes a cricket stadium and a cycling velodrome.
The state government has approved Rs 357.96 crore for the first phase and Rs 627.80 crore for the second phase, taking the total project cost to Rs 985.76 crore.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal |
| Total Cost | Rs 985.76 crore |
| Area | 136.296 acres |
| Phase 1 | Athletics Stadium, Hockey Stadium, Synthetic Turf |
| Phase 2 | Indoor Sports Complex, Swimming Complex, Athlete Hostels |
| Phase 3 | Cricket Stadium, Cycling Velodrome |
| Upcoming Event | Asian Women’s Hockey Championship (October–November 2026) |
During the visit, Dr Yadav also interacted with candidates taking part in the ongoing Indian Army recruitment process at the sports complex.
Army officials informed him that around 4,500 candidates had been called for the recruitment drive, with nearly 3,000 expected to qualify for the next stage. The recruitment process is scheduled to continue until the end of December, after which selected candidates will begin six months of training from January 1, 2027. The Army is also recruiting religious teachers for 175 posts across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister wished the candidates success and encouraged them to serve the nation with dedication.
Also read: CM Yadav Gives Jabalpur Rs 397 Crore Worth Of New Projects
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