Haryana’s first Special Olympics training centre planned at Gurugram stadium

Coaches assessed infrastructure needs for multiple sports. A proposal will be sent to the state government this week for approval and funding.

Groundwork for Haryana’s first dedicated training centre for Special Olympics athletes began on Monday with a technical inspection of the proposed site at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Daulatabad, district sports officials said.

Haryana’s first Special Olympics training centre planned at Gurugram stadium

Coaches from different sports disciplines assessed infrastructure requirements within the nearly six-acre stadium complex. Based on their recommendations, the district sports department will prepare a proposal this week for submission to the Haryana sports department for budget allocation and administrative approval.

Officials said the proposed centre will provide year-round training for athletes with intellectual disabilities and include infrastructure for athletics, volleyball, table tennis and other Special Olympics disciplines.

“The inspection is aimed at identifying the facilities required for each sport. Coaches will submit their recommendations, following which a detailed report will be prepared and forwarded to the state government,” said Aarti Kohli, Gurugram district sports officer (DSO).

Officials said the facility would benefit athletes from Gurugram and neighbouring districts who currently rely on shared infrastructure or travel elsewhere for specialised coaching. The project will be developed within the existing stadium campus after state approval, with the budget and construction timeline to be finalised later.