GMC multi-sport arena set for inauguration

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: Chief Minister P.S. Golay is scheduled to inaugurate a multi-sport arena built by Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) atop the GMC building, on October 27.
Gangtok Mayor Nell Bahadur Chettri informed that the Chief Minister has consented to inaugurate the indoor sports arena developed by the GMC.
The first-of-its-kind indoor sports arena in the State can be used for diffident sporting events. The arena has an international standard futsal court, table tennis area, multi gym, yoga hall, cricket practicing pitch and other sports facilities.   
GMC commissioner H.K. Chettri informed that the arena was developed with the GMC fund.
“In Gangtok, there isn’t any such centre that caters to such multiple sports activities. The futsal court that has been developed is of international standard where national level tournaments can also be held. The sports centre is for the people of Sikkim, especially youth and sport lovers who can avail membership of the centre,” said the GMC commissioner.
Chettri added that matches can be held in the sports arena during both day and night with adequate light system in place.  “The arena has been created in a dome shape wherein a new idea of water harvesting has been also installed so that the water collected can be utilized in the wash room and others too,” the commissioner said.
GMC additional chief architect Gary Chopel informed that the arena has been developed in an area measuring more than 30,000 feet with futsal court alone measuring 8250 sq ft.
Maple hard wood, one of the best materials, has been used for the flooring and the court is of international specification where national and international level matches can be organised, said Chopel. The futsal court can also be used for games like basketball and badminton, he added.
Likewise, the futsal court has a sitting capacity of 550 and can accommodate up to 850 people.
The three-storied southern block arena has a gym, yoga hall, table tennis court, cricket practice pitch, cafeteria, changing rooms and others.
“This time the GMC has not just created the infrastructure but has also put in equipment which are expensive and it has been developed with hard work so that the sports arena developed is of world class. We feel that in a city like Gangtok where there is limited space, the arena developed will cater to the sports lovers and will drive forward the governments vision of sports and youth-oriented activities,” Chopel added.