MAJESTIC SPRAWL: An overview of the NTR Stadium at Gudivada in Krishna district. — PHOTO: CH.VIJAYA BHASKAR

GUDIVADA: The majestic NTR Stadium here is unique, for it was built entirely by private initiative under the inspiration of the son of the soil - late Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao. The stadium, perched on a 10.2 acre-land, is, in fact, NTR's gift to this place where he spent his childhood.

Now, 23 years after the foundation stone was laid for the stadium by the thespian, the stadium committee under the chairmanship of District Collector Navin Mittal is all set add more facilities for the benefit of sportspersons and sports lovers of the town. Top on the agenda is construction of a swimming pool and a tennis court.

On the lookout

"We are on the lookout for a two acre site in the municipal limits for the construction of an international standard pool along with a lawn tennis court. We have already taken up the dormitory work for players and officials in the stadium," says Potluri Gangadhara Rao, joint secretary of NTR Stadium Committee.

With the completion of the dormitory, the stadium committee is planning to host major tournaments in the near future. "The advantage of a dormitory is that the players and officials can stay at one place and concentrate on their event better," Mr. Rao explains.

The committee has already interacted with experts from the skating association and estimated that Rs. 7 lakh will be required for the construction of a modern skating rink with provision for facilities for skating hockey too.

The stadium, which has a 400-metre athletic track, seven volleyball courts, two cricket nets, two kho kho courts and a court each for kabaddi, badminton, tennikoit and basketball, is considered the second best in Krishna district, after the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada.

"The stadium was built with the contribution of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (Rs. 20 lakhs), the Gudivada Municipality (Rs. 3 lakhs) and the Sports Authority of India (Rs. 10 lakhs). We organised a series of lotteries with which we could mobilise Rs. 1.42 crores," Mr. Rao says.

Modern gym

However, the most sought after place in the indoor stadium, constructed close to the main stadium at a cost of Rs 1.20 crores, is the modern gymnasium where over hundred youngsters pump weights everyday to stay fit. "The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets with sufficient space," says weightlifting coach Venkateswara Rao.

The indoor stadium also houses two wooden shuttle badminton courts with a seating capacity of 800, two table tennis tables and with the provision for caroms, chess and billiards.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail