"Five Months to Glory: Hubballi's Sports Complex on Fast Track"

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has directed that the international-standard sports complex under construction in Lohia Nagar, Hubballi, be completed within five months. Although Smart City officials had initially proposed a two-month timeline, Joshi emphasized the need for thorough completion and set a firm deadline during his site visit on May 5, 2025.

The Rs 175-crore facility, being developed under the Smart City Project, draws inspiration from Jharkhand’s Sports Village and represents a major step forward for sports infrastructure in the region. Joshi, along with MLA Arvind Bellad, is in talks with several institutions to manage the complex's operations, prioritizing partners with a strong record in athlete development.

The facility is expected to offer free or subsidized training for national and international-level athletes, while pricing for general users is still under review.

Although the Smart City Mission officially ended on March 31, pending projects like this complex are still underway. A request will be made to extend the tenure of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) overseeing these initiatives. Additionally, Joshi highlighted the need for approximately Rs 60 crore to recruit expert coaches and maintain the facility, urging the state government to provide financial assistance.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.