JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
There’s great news for Jammu’s swimmers. After a long wait, the much-awaited all-weather swimming pool at the Maulana Azad (MA) Stadium is set to open in July. Once open, athletes will have the opportunity to practice year-round, eliminating the need to rely on private swimming pools.
The project, which began nearly seven years ago, is now in its final stages. The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council will announce the inauguration date soon. The pool will be opened to swimmers after filling with water and completing technical inspections.
The work to convert the old seasonal swimming pool at the MA Stadium into an all-weather facility was initiated in 2019 at a cost of approximately ₹3.50 crore. The project was scheduled to be completed in 2020, but was repeatedly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funding constraints, and other administrative reasons. After several deadline extensions, the project is now nearly complete.
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul stated that all major work on the All-Weather Swimming Pool has been completed, and the Council is working towards its early operationalization. She expressed hope that the opening of this facility will enable the hosting of district and state-level competitions, as well as national-level swimming competitions, in Jammu.
This swimming complex, built to national standards, includes a separate learner pool alongside the main competitive pool, where children and new swimmers can train. Modern changing rooms, spectator seating, and other necessary facilities have also been developed. It is estimated that approximately 300 swimmers will be able to practice here daily.
It is worth noting that the first swimming pool at the MA Stadium was established in 1993. At that time, there was no separate training pool for young children. Now, with the new learner pool, even young swimmers will be able to learn swimming in a safe environment and fulfill their dreams of winning medals for the state and country in the future.
The opening of the All-Weather Swimming Pool is expected to increase the revenue of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. Previously, the seasonal pool generated approximately 20 lakh rupees in six months. Now, with year-round operation, revenue is expected to increase. The Council will also announce registration and monthly fees after the inauguration.
The opening of the All-Weather Swimming Pool will strengthen Jammu’s sports infrastructure and provide better facilities to the state’s swimmers to prepare for national and international competitions.
