Date:25/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/25/stories/2008082550330100.htm

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Squash court to be set up

G. Prasad

TIRUCHI: Good news for squash freaks of Tiruchi. A squash court would soon come up at the Anna Stadium complex here. The facility, allotted to Erode district in 2006, has been shifted to Tiruchi due to administrative reasons.

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) had sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh for the construction of the court in 2006. But given the sharp rise in the prices of the construction materials, sources say that there might be a revision in the estimate.

Apart from the aspirants, others could also use the facility to unwind and remain in good physical shape. According to sources, a coach would be appointed to help youngsters learn the sport.

The SDAT has already set up a new beach volleyball court at the stadium complex, which was inaugurated with fanfare by District Revenue Officer Sri Venkatapriya on Wednesday. The new court has come up on an outlay of Rs. 70,000 near the swimming pool.

This facility is expected to popularise beach volleyball which is gaining popularity among youngsters.

The SDAT officials have planned to celebrate the setting up of the new facility by conducting a district level beach volleyball tournament shortly.

The squash court would be a welcome addition to the growing list of facilities coming up at the Anna Stadium, which is already well equipped with a football ground, athletic track, swimming pool, gym, badminton court, to name a few.