Hardeep Jamwal, JNM Journalist, Jammu
There is great news for swimmers in Jammu. After a long wait, the much-awaited all-weather swimming pool at Maulana Azad (MA) Stadium is set to open in July. Once operational, athletes will be able to train throughout the year without having to rely on private swimming pools.
Work on this project, which began nearly seven years ago, has now reached its final stage. The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council will soon announce the inauguration date. The pool will be opened to swimmers after the water-filling process and technical inspections are completed.
The project to convert MA Stadium’s old seasonal swimming pool into an all-weather facility began in 2019 at a cost of approximately ₹3.50 crore. Although originally scheduled for completion in 2020, the project faced repeated delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funding shortages, and other administrative reasons. After several deadline extensions, the project is now nearly ready.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, stated that all major work on the all-weather swimming pool has been completed, and the Council is working towards making it operational soon. She expressed hope that the facility would enable the hosting of district and state-level competitions, as well as national-level swimming events, in Jammu.
Built to national standards, the swimming complex features a main competition pool alongside a separate learner’s pool where children and novice swimmers can train. Additionally, modern changing rooms, spectator seating, and other essential amenities have been developed. It is estimated that approximately 300 swimmers will be able to train here daily.
It is worth noting that the original swimming pool at MA Stadium was established in 1993; at that time, there was no provision for a separate training pool for young children. Now, through the new learner pool, young swimmers will also be able to learn swimming in a safe environment and realize their dreams of winning medals for the state and the country in the future.
The opening of the all-weather swimming pool is also expected to boost the revenue of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council. Previously, the seasonal pool generated a revenue of approximately ₹20 lakh over a six-month period; now, an increase in income is anticipated due to year-round operations. The Council will announce registration and monthly fees following the inauguration.
The launch of the all-weather swimming pool will significantly strengthen Jammu’s sports infrastructure and provide swimmers in the region with superior facilities to prepare for national and international-level competitions.
