Chandigarh might soon house one of the ‘Khelo India State Centres of Excellence’, one of the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, as Sector 42 Sports Complex, Chandigarh has been chosen by the ministry. 

New reports claim that beside a centre of excellence in hockey, the UT may get approval for boxing and rowing. In addition, the department may soon get a residential accredited academy of football for both boys and girls. So far, the city does not have a football academy for girls.

Earlier this year, the department had expressed interest in setting up a centre of excellence in hockey, boxing and rowing. A proposal for this was submitted to the Ministry of Sports, followed by another for getting an accredited Khelo India academy.

On October 15, the Ministry of Sports approved the formation of centre of excellence at Sector 42, while the allotment of disciplines is yet to be announced.

However, reports are that the ministry has approved the disciplines and the department would get an official notification in a day or so.

“Yes, the Sector 42 sports complex has been chosen as a centre of excellence under Khelo India programme. We already had a hockey centre and now, we are looking for an of at least two disciplines. The proposal was sent for boxing and rowing. However, we are yet to receive any official confirmation particularly about selected disciplines,” said Tejdeep Singh Saini, Director, Sports (UT). He further added, “If rumours are to be believed, we will also receive a nod for football academy. We are yet waiting for an official confirmation.”