Idukki to have two new major stadiums

Idukki: Sporting fraternity of high range are pinning hopes on two major sports infrastructure projects that would attract athletes and sportsperson from across the country to Idukki. 

The high altitude stadium being built at Kizhake Kavala at Nedumkandam with a synthetic track and football ground by spending Rs 14 crore and the multi-purpose indoor stadium at Pachady with an estimate of Rs 45 crore would be an ideal venue for the different national teams taking part in international events to hold their training sessions in cold weather. 

The district, which has produced international athletes like K M Beenamol and Shiny Wilson, could nurture more sportspersons, who could make a mark internationally by making use of this facility, say experts.

“Acclimatisation is a major challenge for sportspersons as other than Shilaroo in Himachal Pradesh there are no proper high altitude training facilities in the country for different sportspersons. With no pollution, idyllic ambiance, and cold climate, Nedumkandam will definitely be a perfect training centre that will help Indian athletes to perform in a similar climate in international events,” says Nedumkandam-based physical trainer Saiju Cherian.

Though there is a high-altitude stadium in Munnar, there are no proper facilities for training there. The Munnar stadium, which is nearly 1,700 ft above sea level, will be the most ideal high-altitude facility if further developed. Nedumkandam stadium at a height of 1,200 ft above sea level will provide low-cost facilities for athletes as it is a rural area, feels Saju.

The stadium constructed using KIIFB funds will be opened in six weeks' time while the indoor stadium is expected to be completed in one-and-a-half years.