Dharwad: Local aspiring swimmers are grappling with a formidable obstacle on their path to achieving success at the state and national levels – the lack of an adequate swimming facility for training. Despite continuous construction efforts spanning several years, the realization of an international-standard swimming pool remains unfinished, presenting a substantial barrier to the city’s budding swimmers.
In Dharwad city, there has been an ongoing sports complex project near the DC compound for several years, yet its completion remains elusive. The vicinity was previously home to an older swimming pool, which held sentimental value for swimmers but deteriorated due to neglect. Consequently, the district administration initiated plans for the construction of a new pool.
Originally, a grant of Rs 13.5 crore was designated for this project. However, opinions gradually evolved, and there was growing support for the idea of constructing a sports complex alongside the swimming pool to cater to athletes from various disciplines. Under the revised plan, an estimated Rs 33 crore would be needed to develop the sports complex.
At the outset, the project was primarily centered on building a swimming pool, as per the preference expressed by the local community. Nevertheless, with technical input from Delhi IIT, the project transformed into a multi-story sports complex, incorporating amenities such as a kabaddi court, badminton court, gym, and staff accommodation. Consequently, the project’s budget escalated from Rs 13.5 crore to Rs 33 crore, and multiple CSR grants were secured to finance it. Regrettably, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic redirected CSR funding towards pandemic relief efforts for a period of two years.
However, MLA Arvinda Bellad provides assurance that the project will soon be brought to its conclusion. DC Gurudatta Hegde has confirmed that the construction of the swimming pool is set to be finished by February, with the remaining tasks anticipated to be completed within the next eight months. Aspiring swimmers in Dharwad currently encounter the inconvenience of having to travel to Hubli for their practice sessions, which can be especially challenging for young children. Swimmers are filled with hope for the imminent opening of the swimming pool and eagerly await the project’s finalization to enhance their training and development opportunities.
