THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Advanced infrastructure facilities that can cater to multi-purpose activities are the need of the hour in sports sector, instead of lavishing huge amounts on building limited-utility facilities, according to experts.
Speaking at a seminar held on the sidelines of the “SportX Kerala-2019”, a three-day International Sports Expo that got under way here on Thursday, they called for a prudent use of infrastructure like stadiums to make them economically viable by embracing modern technologies.
A first-of-its-kind event organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, “SportX Kerala 2019” was inaugurated by Minister for Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs E P Jayarajan at Jimmy George Indoor Stadium here.
At the panel discussion on “Sports Infrastructure,” Anil Kumar, CEO and MD, Great Sportstech Ltd, said no stadium is economically viable if you are using it for one sport. So, instead lavishing huge amounts for creating limited-purpose facilities, it would be prudent to adopt smarter and economical ways of investing in sports infrastructure.
Citing the example of India’s first Modular Gallery in Mizoram that skipped the concept of installing permanent concrete structures, he said that the galvanized stadium is cost effective and it can be dismantled easily for other purposes.
“There are stadiums like the one in Dubai, where various non-sporting activities, including star shows are being held, by ensuring the surface of the ground does not get damaged. This is possible through turf protection system and it provides financial benefit to the stadium during off-seasons,” he said.
