Tamil Nadu Clears Rs 9.9 Crore Paralympic Multi Sports Complex in Coimbatore

The Tamil Nadu government has given its formal approval for the construction of a Paralympic Multi Sports Complex in Coimbatore, paving the way for Phase I of the long-awaited project. The initiative, proposed by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, will be implemented at an estimated cost of around Rs 9.9 crore and is aimed at promoting inclusive and accessible sports infrastructure for persons with disabilities.

The complex will be developed on Corporation-owned land located on the northern side of Jeeva Nagar Main Road near Kavundampalayam in Ward No. 33. Phase I of the project will have a total built-up area of about 42,765 square feet and will include a ground floor, a mezzanine floor and a headroom area. The focus of the first phase will be entirely on indoor sporting facilities and support infrastructure.

According to officials, the proposed indoor sports facilities will cater specifically to Paralympic disciplines such as sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, boccia, badminton and table tennis. These facilities are expected to provide structured training spaces for para-athletes while also encouraging broader community participation in adaptive sports.

The ground floor will feature an entrance lobby with an information desk, office areas, conference and managerial rooms, two cafeterias and a kiosk. Dedicated team locker rooms, common toilet facilities and play areas are also planned, including tennis courts, a basketball-cum-badminton court and a boccia play area with storage space. The mezzanine floor will house a multi-gym, yoga room, sitting volleyball courts, locker rooms, common toilets and a first-aid medical room.

Parking infrastructure under Phase I will accommodate five buses, 25 cars and 74 two-wheelers, ensuring smooth access for athletes, staff and visitors. Of the total project cost, the largest share has been earmarked for civil works, followed by allocations for electrical, plumbing and fire-fighting systems, with the balance covering GST and statutory charges.

The project design has been revised in line with national accessibility standards, including updated provisions under the National Building Code and the Harmonised Guidelines for Accessibility in the Built Environment 2021. Tactile guiding tiles from the main entrance to ramps have been included in Phase I, while outdoor accessibility features will be taken up in Phase II, for which a detailed project report is currently under preparation.