Good news is pouring in from Kolathur, Chief Minister M K Stalin’s constituency in Chennai. A brand new mini stadium is set to be built in GKM Colony, providing much-needed space for activities like swimming and badminton. This project, backed by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) with an investment of ₹7.75 crore, is a welcome addition to the area. The land, originally comprising 11 grounds (each 2,400 sq ft), had been encroached upon but has now been reclaimed and repurposed.
The new stadium will boast a swimming pool, two badminton courts, separate gyms for men and women, and all the essential amenities including toilets and an administrative office. R Saritha Maheshkumar, the councillor for ward 69 where the facility is being built, highlights the lack of affordable options for children from economically weaker sections in the locality. While private pools and badminton courts exist, they are often out of reach for many. The initial plan was to construct a boxing stadium, but with the Greater Chennai Corporation already building one in the same area, Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, after consultation, agreed to establish a badminton court and swimming pool instead.
Residents are thrilled about the project, calling it a dream come true. R Prabhakar, secretary of the Rajaji Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, notes that the demand for such a facility was first brought to the chief minister’s attention in 2021. The lack of a swimming pool in Kolathur forced children to travel to Shenoy Nagar or Mogappair for lessons. This new facility will be a major boon to the community, significantly improving access to sports.
However, Prabhakar emphasizes the importance of qualified coaches and thorough background checks for those hired to ensure the safety and well-being of the users. M Satish, another resident, echoes the sentiment, pointing out the high cost and limited availability of private badminton courts. He believes the government facility will make sports accessible to everyone. He stresses the importance of ensuring top-notch infrastructure for the new stadium.
CMDA Minister Sekar Babu views the project as a crucial part of Chief Minister Stalin’s broader initiative to make each constituency self-sufficient. He emphasizes the aim to provide every community with access to essential services like education, healthcare, transportation, sports, and recreation. This new stadium, he believes, will prevent children from Kolathur from having to travel long distances to pursue their sports interests, bringing state-of-the-art facilities right to their doorstep.
