Delhi government to develop sports grounds, multipurpose auditoriums in schools

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government will develop sports grounds and multipurpose auditoriums in schools under it to promote sports among children from an early age, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Wednesday. Gupta reviewed departmental activities and directed officials to prepare a detailed blueprint for the plan in a review meeting, an official statement said.

She said the initiative aims to build a strong sports ecosystem in collaboration with reputed sports academies, ensuring professional coaching in disciplines such as cricket, boxing, taekwondo, football and swimming. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed with academies to provide structured training programmes in schools, she added.

"Our goal is to ensure that children receive quality sports training from an early age so they can pursue their ambitions with discipline and confidence. Sports not only promote physical fitness but also teach teamwork, perseverance, and leadership," the chief minister said. The education department currently oversees 799 school buildings and campuses. Officials have been asked to identify suitable locations for developing sports grounds or multipurpose auditoriums, the statement added.

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Focus on rural schools for equal opportunity

Schools with larger open spaces will have modern sports facilities, while those with limited land will get multi-purpose auditoriums or mini sports arenas, it said. Rural schools will be prioritised to ensure equal opportunities for young athletes across Delhi, the statement said. Gupta also said the government is also examining the feasibility of constructing swimming pools in select schools to offer foundational training in all major sports. "There will be no shortage of funds for this project, which will be implemented expeditiously," she noted.

She reiterated that promoting sports remains one of her government's top priorities and highlighted existing incentive schemes for athletes, under which the Delhi Government awards Rs 7 crore to Olympic gold medallists, Rs 5 crore to silver medallists and Rs 3 crore to bronze medallists. Promising sportspersons at the national and state levels are also eligible for financial support and government jobs, she added.

"The aim is not just to build infrastructure but to nurture a vibrant sports culture in Delhi. We want every child to step onto the field, gain confidence, and learn leadership through sports," the chief minister said, adding that the city's schools would become "cradles of future Olympians".