Ludhiana: As an initiative to boost sports facilities and address the concerns of young athletes, the district administration and the sports department have provided a new gym for athletes. Equipped with latest facilities and modern equipment comparable to private gyms, the project’s estimated cost is around Rs 70 lakh. Located near the multipurpose hall, opposite Guru Nanak Stadium, the facility will be operational in the next seven to 10 days, as stated by sports department officials.The latest facilities provided include steam and sauna rooms along with advanced equipment for strength training. The inventory features treadmills, indoor cycles/spin bikes, smith machines, multi lat pull-down machines, adjustable cable crossovers, abductor machines, and other modern apparatus. Previously, athletes had raised concerns over missing equipment and poor infrastructural conditions, prompting the district administration to provide the necessary grant along with other required facilities.Sports department officials and coaches stated that the advanced facilities, specifically steam and sauna, are major attractions. These are essential for recovery and overall wellness for athletes who train rigorously on a daily basis. Kuldeep Chugh, District Sports Officer (DSO), said, “The department is thankful to the district administration and Himanshu Jain, DC Ludhiana, for the support and grant, which is the major reason for the city to get such facilities. The project is in the final stages as civil work is complete and machines are being installed. Once finished, it will be a hub for effective training and recovery.”“The gym will be free of charge for athletes (both boys and girls) having a minimum state-level achievement in their game,” Chugh added. The facility will be available in morning and evening shifts, with a certified instructor available to guide the athletes through their sessions. This move is expected to significantly enhance the training environment for local talent seeking more professional resources within the government sports infrastructure.
