Date:18/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/18/stories/2007061805980100.htm

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Stadium construction work apace

G. Prasad

NEW FACILITY: Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, Atulya Misra, right, at the project site in Perambalur.

Sports lovers in the district have something to cheer for: construction of a full-fledged stadium here is progressing at a fast pace.

The Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, Atulya Misra, who inspected the stadium recently, said that the Rs.54-lakh facility would be ready by the end of this year. While the State Government's share was Rs. 22.5 lakh, the rest was to be raised through public contribution.

Work on the project commenced in 2006; gallery and rooms for sportspersons, officers and VIPs have been completed at a cost of Rs. 33 lakh. It has been planned to seek assistance from Union Minister A. Raja, elected from Perambalur constituency and the Perambalur MLA, under the MP and MLA local area development funds. Work on setting up volleyball and basketball courts, 400- metre athletic track, gymnasium and compound wall at a cost of Rs. 25 lakh is likely to begin next week.

The support extended by the sports-loving Collector Anil Meshram in mobilising public contribution has provided a big relief to the SDAT authorities.

The SDAT has also planned to promote sports activities among the rural youth by forming block-level sports clubs, which would have separate units for different age groups, Mr. Misra told presspersons.