Rudrapur stadium set for global recognition as world-class athletic track nears completion | Dehradun News

RUDRAPUR: The New Year is likely to begin on a promising note for sportspersons in Udham Singh Nagar, with Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in Rudrapur set to acquire international-standard sporting infrastructure. A 400-m synthetic athletic track and a modern football turf, now in the final stage of construction, are expected to be handed over to the sports department by mid-Jan, pending certification from the World Athletics Council.The project, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, aims to upgrade the stadium to global standards. The facilities include a high-quality synthetic running track, football turf, an advanced drainage system, and a reinforced boundary wall to enhance safety. Officials said expert agencies have been conducting continuous inspections to assess track quality, lane markings, surface grip and other safety parameters as part of the certification process.Once certified, the stadium will be able to host national and international athletic competitions, besides serving as a major training hub for local athletes. The project was initially sanctioned at Rs 15 crore, but an additional Rs 5 crore was approved after changes were made to the original layout, officials said.Under the revised plan, the football turf was shifted to a nearby location instead of being developed inside the athletic track to avoid interference with other disciplines. Officials said this modification, coupled with the hosting of sporting events during the construction phase, led to delays.The project was earlier scheduled for completion by March 2024.Assistant engineer S S Bhandari of the Irrigation Department said, “The construction of the synthetic track and football turf will be completed within a day or two. The certification process is underway, and all technical standards have been strictly adhered to. Once clearance is received, the facility will be formally handed over to the sports department.”District sports officer Janki Karki said, “With its completion, the stadium is set to emerge as an international sports centre, giving fresh momentum to the aspirations of young athletes in the region.”