The new integrated sports centre at Anna Nagar in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit: R. VENGADESH
The newly inaugurated integrated sports centre established by Tiruchi Corporation near Uzhavar Sandhai in Anna Nagar is yet to become operational, more than five months after it was opened in March.The ₹5.51-crore air-conditioned sports complex, constructed with funds from the State Finance Commission Grants and the Corporation’s General Funds, was envisaged as a facility for sports enthusiasts. However, the absence of a badminton court and other operational issues have kept the centre from attracting a significant number of users.The badminton court proposed at the facility has been put on hold due to a legal dispute over the land. A resident has filed a petition before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, claiming ownership of the land.The club features two table tennis courts, a modern gymnasium and facilities for indoor sports such as billiards. It also has suite rooms, a restaurant, an administrative block, accommodation and changing rooms for sportspersons. CCTV surveillance and seating arrangements for spectators have also been provided. Parking facilities are available for around 50 cars and two-wheelers.However, the location of the centre appears to be another factor affecting its visibility and accessibility. Situated behind an Amma Unavagam and away from the main road, the facility is not easily noticed by the public. Access is further affected by roadside encroachments, with two-wheeler mechanic shops in the vicinity reportedly occupying portions of the road.To improve access, the Corporation has proposed demolishing the existing Amma Unavagam and constructing an arch entrance that would provide direct connectivity between the sports centre and the main road. The proposed entrance is estimated to cost ₹35 lakh. A new Amma Unavagam will be constructed at a nearby location.Sources also said the relatively high membership fee could be contributing to the poor response. The facility, they noted, was yet to become affordable and accessible to a wider section of the public.Lifetime membership can be obtained by paying a deposit of ₹2 lakh, along with an annual maintenance fee of ₹15,000. Lifetime members will have access to facilities such as table tennis, billiards, the gym, suite rooms and the restaurant. Separate fee structures have been prescribed for annual and monthly memberships, while individual user charges will apply for each sport.Corporation Commissioner Veer Pratap Singh said the civic body would engage an agency for the operation and maintenance of the facility and that the sports club would become operational within a month. The Corporation was also taking necessary steps to resolve the legal issue, he said.With the Corporation now planning to improve the entrance and address access-related issues, officials hope better visibility and connectivity will help attract more sports enthusiasts. Published - August 12, 2026 07:29 pm IST
