Chennai’s Global Sports City Takes Shape As DMK Pushes Olympic Ambitions | Exclusive

Work is finally going to begin on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s dream project – the Global Sports City in Chennai. The DMK government wants it to be a destination for Olympics and Asian Games, as per a document seen by CNN-News18 that invites bids for starting construction of the Global Sports City. Phase 1 of the city is to be completed in the next 18 months, as per a pre-bid meeting this week.

Stalin announced this project on June 26, 2021, soon after taking over as the Chief Minister. CNN-NEWS18 now has the blueprint of the entire project. The site extends over approximately 127 acres within a larger land parcel earmarked for the multi-phase development of the Global Sports City and 83.25 acres of it will be developed in Phase I. It

could rival the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Motera, Ahmedabad, that has been designed to host India’s 2036 Olympics bid. Singapore Sports hub, Kai Tak Sports Park, Sydney Olympic Park and London Olympics Park have been studied for the Chennai project.

“The Global Sports City Complex aims to place Chennai on the World Map as a destination for Olympic and World Events, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s rich Heritage and commitment to excellence. The vision for an international sports city in Chennai is to create a world-class destination for sports enthusiasts and athletes alike. The city would be home to a wide range of sporting facilities, including stadiums, arenas, training grounds, and sports academies. It would be a hub for sports events, from local competitions to international tournaments with all allied facilities,” the document with CNN-News18 mentions.

The Phase-I development on 83.25 acres includes a diverse portfolio of sports and allied facilities such as the Rowing, Canoeing & Kayaking Sprint Course, BMX Track, Skateboarding and Roller Speed Skating Tracks, Archery Range, Shooting Ranges (10m, 25m, 50m), Lawn Tennis Courts, Mini Golf, Padel and Pickleball Courts, Climbing Facility, 315–375m Go-Karting Track, and associated spectator amenities.

The phase-I of the project also incorporates critical support buildings including an Indoor Sports Complex with Table Tennis, Squash, Billiards, and gymnasium. The Global Sports City – Phase I is located in Chennai’s southern metropolitan corridor Semmancheri, off the Old Mahabalipuram Road. The location benefits from proximity to the IT corridor. The proposed site for this ambitious project is located at Semmancheri, approximately 28 km from Chennai Central.