Guwahati, July 12 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday reviewed the progress of the under-construction international-standard cricket stadium and high-performance swimming pool at Amingaon, asserting that the state is building sports infrastructure capable of hosting national and international events.

During his visit, the Chief Minister said the 20,000-capacity cricket stadium is expected to be completed within the next few months.

He added that the Assam government is planning to lease adjoining land from the Railways to develop a multi-level parking facility to support the stadium and other sports infrastructure in the area.

CM Sarma said the swimming pool, which is nearing completion, has been designed as a high-performance training facility and will be capable of hosting national as well as international swimming competitions.

He added that the pool is being developed to train around 40 swimmers simultaneously, and its operations will be entrusted to the Sports Authority of India.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the construction of hostels for athletes and coaches. One hostel has been planned for swimmers and badminton players, while another will accommodate nearly 200 cricket players and coaches, he said.

Chief Minister Sarma expressed confidence that once the new sports infrastructure at Amingaon becomes operational, it will complement the existing Sarusajai Sports Complex and significantly strengthen Assam’s ability to host major sporting events.

He said the state has been steadily creating world-class sports facilities to nurture young talent and promote Assam as a leading sporting destination.

The Chief Minister also visited the National Centre of Excellence for Badminton at Amingaon and said the facility has already produced players who have represented the country at national and international levels.

He described the centre as one of India’s premier badminton training facilities.

CM Sarma further announced that a six-lane road would be constructed connecting the Kamrup Deputy Commissioner’s office, the cricket stadium and the swimming complex, with improved connectivity to the National Highway and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.

He also inspected the nearby inspection bungalow and suggested measures to further enhance its appearance and utility.

–IANS

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