Minister inaugurates stadium renovated at ₹46 lakh at Puthenchira in Thrissur

Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Friday dedicated the renovated Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Stadium in Puthenchira grama panchayat to the public.

The project, implemented jointly by the district and grama panchayats, was completed at a cost of ₹46 lakh.

Speaking after inaugurating the stadium, the Minister said that Kerala had achieved remarkable progress in the sports sector in the past nine years, surpassing many other States. “We have been able to construct nearly 400 stadiums and playgrounds, ensuring that most local bodies in the State now have sporting facilities. In areas lacking them, new grounds are being developed,” he said.

The Minister also announced ongoing works at the venue, including the installation of two high-mast lights using MLA fund at a cost of ₹11 lakh, and equipment for an open gym at ₹2 lakh from the block panchayat fund. V.R. Sunil Kumar, MLA, presided over the function.

Indoor sports hall

The Minister also inaugurated the construction of a multipurpose indoor sports hall at Chittilappilly ground under Adat grama panchayat. The project is being implemented with an allocation of ₹1 crore from the State Budget.

Speaking at the function, the Minister said the government was moving towards its declared goal of setting up sports facilities in every grama panchayat. “Most panchayats in the State already have playgrounds, and the remaining ones will also be completed during this government’s term. In the Vadakkanchery constituency, playgrounds are coming up in all panchayats, and in some, multiple facilities are being created, reflecting the aspirations of students and youth,” he said.

The Minister noted that sports infrastructure to the tune of nearly ₹200 crore had already been developed in the district. “The first phase of the I.M. Vijayan Indoor Stadium at Laloor, with world-class facilities, including a swimming pool, has been completed and will soon be opened to athletes. At Kunnamkulam Sports School, projects to the tune ₹20 crore have been completed over the past four years, and a new hostel is under construction. The district’s best synthetic track has also been installed there, which has directly improved athletes’ performance in State athletics meets,” he added.