SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated sports infrastructure worth ₹30.35 crore at the Sher-i-Kashmir Multi Sports Activity Centre (SKMSAC), Gindun Rajbagh, including Kashmir’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool and a modern gymnastics hall.
The newly commissioned facilities comprise a 50-metre by 25-metre, 10-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool, an all-weather heated training and toddler swimming pool, and an indoor gymnastics hall equipped with modern training equipment.
Officials said the infrastructure has been developed to strengthen swimming and gymnastics training facilities in the Valley and expand opportunities for young athletes.
The Olympic-sized swimming pool, constructed at a cost of ₹19.96 crore, features 10 competition lanes, diving platforms at one, three and five metres, filtration and disinfection systems, changing rooms, lockers and seating capacity for 300 spectators. The facility is designed to host competitive swimming and diving events.
The all-weather training and toddler pool, built at a cost of ₹5.35 crore, includes a heating system powered through solar energy, an indoor lap pool, a toddler pool, anti-skid decking and supporting facilities. It is intended to facilitate year-round training, including during winter.
A gymnastics hall costing ₹5.04 crore has also been developed at the centre. Spread over an area measuring 36 metres by 21 metres with a height of 10 metres, the facility is equipped with specialised gymnastics apparatus and is expected to support coaching programmes and athlete development in the discipline.
Speaking at the inauguration, Abdullah said the facilities would provide young people with opportunities to pursue sports beyond traditional disciplines and train throughout the year.
He said the Olympic-sized swimming pool was the first of its kind in Kashmir and that the heating system would allow athletes to continue training during winter months. Referring to gymnastics, he said interest in the sport had been growing in Kashmir but the absence of dedicated infrastructure had limited opportunities for aspiring athletes.
The Chief Minister also witnessed swimming and gymnastics demonstrations by trainees and sportspersons at the newly inaugurated facilities.
Officials said the infrastructure is expected to enhance grassroots participation, improve access to professional coaching and help create pathways for athletes to compete at national and international levels.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, Salman Sagar and Tanvir Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Sports Council Secretary Tazayun Mukhtar Kawoosa and other officials attended the inauguration.
