3 days ago
400m synthetic track coming up at Rajarathinam Stadium
Chennai: Rajarathinam Stadium at Egmore, popular for police parades and school sporting events, will soon be upgraded and transformed into a premium training ground for athletics.
The sports department has planned a 400-metre synthetic running track to replace the existing mud tracks. The new track will feature eight lanes and markers for 100, 200, and 400-metre races, including relays and a separate long-jump track.
Work will be carried out at a cost of 9 crore. SDAT's Chennai district athletics coach D Vinoth said all national and international-level athletics only happen on synthetic tracks.
"It provides a better grip for runners with spike shoes, unlike mud tracks. If an athlete finishes 100 metres in 10 seconds on a synthetic track, it may take 10.20 seconds on mud tracks," he said.
He added that if the sports track is ready at Rajarathinam Stadium, it will also ease pressure on Nehru Stadium.
Around 300 athletes practise at Nehru Stadium every month, paying an average rent of 110. If police allow athletes at Rajarathinam Stadium regularly, many will use this facility as well," he said.
Vinoth said athletes also train in ICF stadium whenever the railway authorites allow them.
Officials said regular training will be allowed at Rajarathinam Stadium with more sports amenities coming up.
The stadium was reconstructed in 2009 at a cost of 3.16 crore with two galleries, including a main gallery of 12,000 sqft. An air-conditioned lounge was also set up. The additional galleries are spread over 4,521 sqft. The work on tracks will begin soon.
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