Noida Authority Approves ₹75 Crore for World-Class Sports Complex in Sector 123

The Noida Authority has officially approved a budget of ₹75 crore to develop an international sports facility over a sprawling 26 acres in Sector 123. Strategically located along the Faridabad-Noida-Ghaziabad Expressway, this new sports complex represents a significant investment in Noida’s infrastructure, reflecting the authority’s commitment to promoting sports and community well-being. The project is set to cater to both urban and rural areas, creating a platform for budding athletes and local residents alike.

This initiative responds to a long-standing community demand for a comprehensive sports center and aims to foster athletic talent across multiple disciplines, encouraging local youth from nearby villages and city sectors to pursue careers in sports. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide world-class amenities, potentially qualifying it to host prestigious events such as the Commonwealth Games. This ambitious project positions Noida as a prime location for sports development in northern India.

Background: Moving from Waste-to-Energy to a Sports Hub

The journey of Sector 123’s transformation into a sports hub began as a response to public concerns. Initially, the Noida Authority had planned to construct a waste-to-energy plant on this site to manage the city’s waste. However, this plan met with considerable opposition from local communities, especially from residents in nearby sectors and villages who expressed concerns about the plant’s environmental and health impacts. Given these reservations, the community advocated for an alternative project that would bring positive benefits to the area and address the region’s need for sports facilities.

Local leaders and sports advocates highlighted the potential of a sports complex to benefit the youth, particularly those who show promise in disciplines like wrestling, which is already a popular sport in the region. Noida has produced medal-winning wrestlers at the national level, and the community believes that a dedicated sports center will amplify local talent across other sports as well. Recognizing this strong demand, the Noida Authority shifted its focus to creating a multi-purpose sports facility that would not only nurture athletic potential but also foster career opportunities in sports.

Facility Features and Design

Under the leadership of Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M, the sports complex project has reached the design phase, with approval for the layout provided by Orion Architects, a firm known for its expertise in sports architecture. The project will be developed in phases, each with a substantial budget allocation, aimed at creating state-of-the-art sports infrastructure that meets international standards.

Planned Features of the Complex Include:

Wrestling Arena: A professional-grade wrestling arena is a centerpiece of the complex. Wrestling holds a special place in the local culture, with many aspiring athletes eager to pursue it as a career. This dedicated facility will support the development of wrestling talent by providing a space that meets competitive standards.

Kabaddi Stadium: Kabaddi has seen a surge in popularity, both nationally and locally. The stadium for kabaddi will serve as a venue for training and tournaments, encouraging young athletes from Noida to compete at higher levels.

Badminton and Tennis Courts: These courts are designed to meet high standards for both recreational and competitive play. By providing high-quality surfaces and equipment, the complex aims to attract badminton and tennis players from amateur to professional levels.

Running Tracks: The running tracks in the facility are expected to draw fitness enthusiasts and budding athletes alike, encouraging people to engage in athletics and improve their physical health. The tracks will cater to training needs and may also host competitive running events.

Yoga Center: A dedicated yoga center is included in the plans, providing a tranquil space focused on wellness and relaxation. This addition complements the more intense sporting areas, promoting a balanced approach to health and fitness.

Additional features include ample parking space for four-wheelers and two-wheelers, accommodating the influx of athletes and spectators expected during sports events. This sports complex is envisioned as an inclusive community space, fostering health, fitness, and professional sports training.

Local Impact and Community Benefits

The sports complex in Sector 123 is not only a sports facility but a project that seeks to bridge the urban-rural divide by offering top-notch infrastructure to youth from surrounding villages and sectors. Residents from areas such as Garhi Chowkhandi, Basi, Sarfabad, Parthala, and Sorkha, as well as sectors 117 through 122, stand to benefit from this inclusive facility. For these residents, the facility will serve as more than just a sports hub—it will enhance recreational opportunities, drive local investment, and make the area more attractive for residential developments.

The community has expressed strong support for the project, citing the facility’s potential to motivate young people to take up sports as a serious career option. Many residents have voiced the importance of offering structured training and world-class facilities, which are currently limited in Noida. This sports center will fulfill this demand, bringing professional resources to the area and creating an environment that encourages children and teens to cultivate athletic talent from a young age.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond enhancing the community’s sports culture, the facility is anticipated to contribute significantly to Noida’s economic landscape. As the center hosts more sports events, the local economy is expected to see a rise in tourism, particularly in hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. This increase in tourism could create employment opportunities for local residents, thereby boosting the region’s economic growth.

Socially, the complex is likely to serve as a hub for community gatherings and engagement, offering residents a place to meet, train, and enjoy sports in a safe and professional environment. Additionally, local schools and educational institutions may partner with the facility to promote sports education, integrating sports training into their curriculum to inspire young students to engage in physical activities and possibly pursue careers in athletics.

Timeline and Future Vision

The Noida Authority has laid out a timeline for the sports complex, aiming to start construction within the next two months. The entire project is expected to be completed in 18 months, provided all construction milestones are met as planned. With timely execution, the authority hopes to see the facility operational and ready to serve the community by the end of the projected timeline.

Once functional, the sports complex will reflect Noida Authority’s commitment to enhancing community development and promoting a culture of health and sports. This project is part of a broader vision to create urban spaces that prioritize both wellness and recreational growth.