CHANDIGARH-Dated: 12 May 2026: The Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, chaired a review meeting of the Sports Department, Chandigarh Administration, to assess the progress of ongoing sports infrastructure projects, major sporting initiatives and future plans aimed at strengthening Chandigarh’s position as a leading sports destination in the country.

At the outset, the Secretary Sports along with senior officers of the Sports Department, presented a comprehensive overview of infrastructure development works, major sporting events conducted during 2025–26, athlete welfare initiatives and proposed national and international sporting events for 2026–27.

During the meeting, the infrastructure projects undertaken during 2025–26 were briefed which included International Level Billiards & Snooker Hall at Sports Complex, Sector 42, Air Conditioning works in various indoor sports halls, All-Weather Swimming Pool at Sector 39, up-gradation of playing field of Cricket Stadium, Sector 16, development of Chess Centres at Sports Complexes in Sectors 8 and 39 and an international-standard Boccia Court at Sector 8.

The Chief Secretary directed that all projects planned for 2026–27 be taken up for implementation expeditiously and completed within stipulated timelines. These include installation of CCTV cameras across all Sports Complexes, laying of Astro-turf at Hockey Stadium, Sector 18 and six-a-side Hockey ground at Sports Complex, Sector 42, Up-gradation of Synthetic Athletic Track, Sector 7 and sports infrastructure at Lake Sports Complex.

Emphasizing the need for optimum utilization of sports infrastructure, the Chief Secretary directed the department to actively pursue hosting of national and international sporting events in Chandigarh. Director Sports informed that Chandigarh Administration is bidding to host the Asian Relay Championship 2027 and the 21st Asian Roller Skating Championship 2027, which are expected to attract participation from multiple Asian countries. It was apprised that the 2nd Chandigarh International Marathon is being proposed for November, 2026.

The Chief Secretary directed the department to prepare and implement a comprehensive Sports Calendar featuring regular sporting events throughout the year, including national-level competitions and international events.

The initiatives relating to sports scholarships, cash awards and online services for sportspersons were discussed. It was apprised that scholarships amounting to approximately ₹22.12 crore and cash awards worth ₹9.45 crore have been disbursed to meritorious sportspersons during 2023–24 and 2024–25. The department also informed that an online portal for Grant-in-Aid to Sports Associations and a Data Bank of Sportspersons is under development.

Reiterating the Administration’s commitment towards development of world-class sports infrastructure and promotion of sporting excellence, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for a coordinated and time-bound approach to ensure Chandigarh emerges as a premier centre for national and international sports activities.