Gurgaon: Athletes in the city will get to run on synthetic tracks soon. Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar laid the foundation stone of a 10-lane synthetic track at Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Saturday.According to officials, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) will be the executing authority of the Rs 8 crore project, which will be completed within six months.“The track will be a 400-metre-long running track of 10 lanes, each 1.2m wide. It will be constructed of a rubber-like synthetic material on flexible pavement and will conform to the standards and norms of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). After it is approved and certified by IAAF, international athletic tournaments can be held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium,” an official spokesperson said.The CM had promised the synthetic track back in 2016. District athletics coach Ram Nivas said, “The ground has many pits and stones at present, which make it impossible for players to run uninterrupted. With the introduction of a synthetic track, players will be able to run without stopping.. We’ll be able to know the exact speed of the athletes.”Atheletes welcomed the news. “We have been waiting for this track to come up for so long. The present situation is such that we cannot run on the track without getting hurt. I hope the track gets completed within the stipulated time,” said Diksha Dutt, a national-level athlete.The authorities are planning to overhaul the infrastructure and equipment for most games played in the stadium at a cost of Rs 1.56 crore. Sources said plans are being made to install new equipment for long and triple jump, javelin throw, discus throw, pole vault, shot put and high jump. The football ground in the stadium is also likely to be renovated.

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