THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Sept 24: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday instructed state officials to take swift steps towards establishing a Sports University in Ranchi, emphasising that the project should not face unnecessary delays. He said the university would provide a stronger platform for local athletes to hone their skills and gain better opportunities at national and international levels.
High-Level Meeting on Sports Infrastructure
Soren chaired a high-level meeting at the Jharkhand Ministry with senior officials from the Sports Department and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). The discussion centred on the proposed upgrade of the Mega Sports Complex at Hotwar, Ranchi. Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sudivya Kumar also took part in the meeting.
The Chief Minister reviewed the current condition of stadiums across Khelgaon and directed authorities to address shortcomings immediately. He called for all necessary resources to be made available so that athletes can train consistently and major sporting events can be organised smoothly.
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Mega Sports Complex: Jharkhand’s Sporting Identity
Highlighting the significance of the Hotwar complex, Soren said it has given Jharkhand a unique identity in the sporting world. “There are very few places in India where stadiums for multiple sports exist within a single complex. Jharkhand has already set an example by successfully hosting both national and international competitions here,” he noted.
To maintain this reputation, he stressed that all facilities within the complex must be upgraded using modern technology and methods, in line with international standards. He suggested that specialised agencies be engaged for this task.
Sports University to Boost Athlete Development
The proposed Sports University will serve as a cornerstone of Jharkhand’s sports ecosystem, according to Soren. By offering advanced training facilities, academic programmes, and modern infrastructure, the institution is expected to nurture new sporting talent and provide professional pathways for athletes from across the state.
Officials said the university would also help position Jharkhand as a hub for sports education and research, while attracting students and athletes from other parts of the country.
Addressing Gaps, Building for the Future
During the meeting, Soren underlined the need to remove all deficiencies in the Mega Sports Complex without delay. He pointed out that the stadiums host regular training sessions and competitions throughout the year, and therefore must be equipped with the latest amenities to keep pace with global standards.
The discussions also included planning for future sporting events and ensuring that Jharkhand remains a preferred destination for national and international tournaments.
Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Avinash Kumar, secretaries Manoj Kumar and Arwa Rajkamal, Sports Director Shekhar Jamuar, Chief Engineer of Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Sanjay Kujur, its General Manager Avinash Kumar Deepak, CCL CMD N.K. Singh, Director (HR) H.N. Mishra, and JSSPS CEO N.K. Jha.