Mysuru: Chamarajanagar will soon have an Olympic-size swimming pool at Dr BR Ambedkar Stadium in the town. department of youth empowerment and sports (DYES) affairs floated a tender for construction of the facility, as the state govt extended Rs 6 crore for the project. The project was announced by the govt in the 2025 budget which came as a major relief for swimming enthusiasts as well as professional swimmers in the town. The govt initiated the construction of the swimming pool near the basketball court at Dr BR Ambedkar stadium 10 years ago, but the project was shelved due to a paucity of funds and a delay in the announcement of such a facility in the district headquarters.Now, the state govt has sanctioned all the necessary funds for the international-level swimming pool measuring 21 metres by 51 metres.The swimming pool could be used by professional swimmers preparing for national and international tournaments, including the children’s category. The construction of the international-level swimming pool will give a major boost to professional swimmers in the town, said Mahesh, a swimming enthusiast from Uppara street.He also appealed to improve other facilities in the stadium, including the synthetic track which was poorly maintained, and also sought that the works for flow of rainwater in the stadium are also be undertaken.Even though the stadium was constructed two decades ago, several works were completed in the stadium at the district headquarters, he said.Speaking to TOI, Suresh, assistant director, DYES, said that the department floated a tender for construction of the Olympic-size swimming pool, as the govt sanctioned Rs 6 crore. The tender will be finalised by Feb 10. Works will start soon, he said.Construction of another basketball court and gymnasium is also in the offing, he said.
