Lagging behind schedule, the cycling velodrome at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium was giving jitters to the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee (OC) till a few months back. On Tuesday though, as it was thrown open in all its splendour, the complex left visiting sports dignitaries spellbound.
The velodrome, which was inaugurated by union sports minister MS Gill and Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, has been adjudged as a category 1 cycling velodrome by the International Cycling Federation (UCI).
The velodrome has a seating capacity of 3,800. It is one of the biggest velodromes in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit certainly seemed impressed. "I have begun to feel that these will be the best Commonwealth Games," said Dikshit, adding that credit should go to the Sports Authority of India and CPWD for construction. "The job has been done elegantly and the stadium has state-of-the-art facilities."
Built in 17 months, the velodrome was billed as being second to only the one used during the Beijing Olympics by the honorary vice-president of UCI, Ray Godkin. The complex will have its first test event later next month.
Incidentally, there had been concerns over delays and slow pace of construction, especially when the authorities were asked to change specifications mid-way through construction. The organisers were asked to change the original concrete cycle track to a wooden one. Said Suresh Kalmadi, chairperson of the OC, "The world cycling body wanted a wooden floor, instead of concrete, and an air-conditioned velodrome. It was a challenge."
"It's a special occasion. There were some issues but the end result is something to be proud of," said Gill. Talking about the need of a legacy the Games would leave, he added, "But what after the wedding? The 'pandal' has to be taken care of after a wedding. These venues are world class and need to be well cared for."
Added Kalmadi, "I was asked in an interview which is the best venue. I said all the venues that we have prepared are world class but there is a tie between Thyagraj stadium and this velodrome."
Interestingly, officials of cycling body in India didn't sound too optimistic about India's chances in this sports. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, president of the Cycling Federation of India, said, "Do not expect medals from us but with facilities in place we can hope something in the Asian Games... We are managing with just one foreign coach and do not have much equipment. The cycles are also very costly."
TOI
The velodrome, which was inaugurated by union sports minister MS Gill and Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, has been adjudged as a category 1 cycling velodrome by the International Cycling Federation (UCI).
The velodrome has a seating capacity of 3,800. It is one of the biggest velodromes in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit certainly seemed impressed. "I have begun to feel that these will be the best Commonwealth Games," said Dikshit, adding that credit should go to the Sports Authority of India and CPWD for construction. "The job has been done elegantly and the stadium has state-of-the-art facilities."
Built in 17 months, the velodrome was billed as being second to only the one used during the Beijing Olympics by the honorary vice-president of UCI, Ray Godkin. The complex will have its first test event later next month.
Incidentally, there had been concerns over delays and slow pace of construction, especially when the authorities were asked to change specifications mid-way through construction. The organisers were asked to change the original concrete cycle track to a wooden one. Said Suresh Kalmadi, chairperson of the OC, "The world cycling body wanted a wooden floor, instead of concrete, and an air-conditioned velodrome. It was a challenge."
"It's a special occasion. There were some issues but the end result is something to be proud of," said Gill. Talking about the need of a legacy the Games would leave, he added, "But what after the wedding? The 'pandal' has to be taken care of after a wedding. These venues are world class and need to be well cared for."
Added Kalmadi, "I was asked in an interview which is the best venue. I said all the venues that we have prepared are world class but there is a tie between Thyagraj stadium and this velodrome."
Interestingly, officials of cycling body in India didn't sound too optimistic about India's chances in this sports. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, president of the Cycling Federation of India, said, "Do not expect medals from us but with facilities in place we can hope something in the Asian Games... We are managing with just one foreign coach and do not have much equipment. The cycles are also very costly."
TOI
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