Gurgaon: After nearly five years of waiting, swimmers in the city are set to get a major sporting facility as the all-weather heated swimming pool under construction at Kamla Nehru Park has reached around 80% completion. If the remaining work is completed on schedule, the Rs 12.5-crore project will be handed over to the sports department by Dec, with training expected to begin from the new year.The project was launched in 2020 after the old govt swimming pool at the site was demolished. However, construction was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors, extending the wait for local athletes. Officials said civil works, finishing work and technical installations are now in the final phase.The facility will be the district’s first govt-operated heated swimming pool. It will allow swimmers to train throughout the year, including during winter, when practice usually comes to a halt due to low water temperatures. Officials said the facility is expected to benefit competitive swimmers, school and college athletes, sports nursery trainees and beginners, while reducing their dependence on expensive private academies and such facilities in Delhi.At present, many swimmers have to suspend training during winter or travel outside Gurgaon to continue practice. For many aspiring athletes, especially those from economically weaker families, the additional expense has been a major hurdle. Officials believe the new facility will provide a level playing field by offering modern infrastructure within the city at affordable costs.The complex will feature a 50-metre Olympic-standard pool with eight lanes and an advanced heating system to maintain a suitable water temperature. The facility is expected to support uninterrupted training, improve preparations for state and national competitions, and encourage greater participation in competitive swimming. It will also help the city host swimming events and coaching camps in the future.Once completed, the pool will be operated by the sports department, with govt coaches overseeing training programmes.MCG executive engineer Sandeep said around 80% of the project has been completed. “The remaining civil and technical works are progressing as per schedule. Our target is to complete the project and hand it over to the sports department by Dec so athletes can start using the facility this winter. The pool will become operational only after the heating system and other technical installations are fully tested,” he said.
