NEC approves construction of 100 stadiums

ISLAMABAD: The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved construction of 100 stadiums in the country with the whopping amount of Rs2500 million — the cost of which will be shared equally by Centre and provinces.

‘The News’ has learnt exclusively that the NEC, headed by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has given go ahead for the construction of stadiums/arenas, approving the Centre’s share of cost worth Rs1250 million.

Though it is not clear yet as these stadiums would cater the needs of which sports, the decision to raise the playing arenas is taken to broaden the infrastructure at grass-roots level.Barring a few districts where penalty of sports infrastructure is available, the new scheme would cater the needs of all other districts. The NEC also approved the release of Rs1000 million during this financial year for the project.

Though it is still an unapproved project, the matter will be discussed in the Centre Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting after the approval from Parliament.There is good news for the struggling national game hockey as the NEC has also approved construction of arena and replacement of the Bunda Hockey Stadium turf in Islamabad. The project would cost Rs150 million with the entire amount to be released this year.

Construction of football ground in Chaman would be another new project. Rs25 million will be the cost of the project.A scheme with the name of Promotion of Sports and Regaining Pride will also be initiated this year. Rs100 million has been set forth for scheme. However, this year Rs30 million will be released.

The NEC has also given go ahead to the renovation and upgradation of Pakistan Sports Complex with the total cost of Rs500 million. For the coming year, Rs100 million would be released for the purpose.Besides these five new schemes, new installments for the 10 old schemes would also be released.