New Chapter in Chittorgarh’s Sporting History: Foundation Stone Laid for Redevelopment of Gora Badal Stadium

Chittorgarh: Fulfilling a long-awaited dream of sports enthusiasts and residents, the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the historic Gora Badal Stadium was ceremonially laid on Saturday. The project, being jointly undertaken by Hindustan Zinc and the Municipal Council, is expected to be completed within a year and will transform the stadium into a modern, multi-purpose sports complex equipped with world-class amenities.

The foundation stone was laid amidst Vedic rituals by Member of Parliament C. P. Joshi, MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya, District Collector Dr. Manju, and Hindustan Zinc CEO Amarendu Prakash, formally marking the commencement of the redevelopment work.

A New Era for Sports Talent

Speaking on the occasion, MP C. P. Joshi acknowledged that athletes had been waiting for improved sports infrastructure for many years and expressed regret for the inconvenience faced during the delay. He said that Gora Badal Stadium has always been the city's premier sporting venue and, after redevelopment, would rank among the country's finest sports facilities. He also suggested incorporating artistic depictions of the heroic legacy of Gora and Badal within the stadium to inspire future generations with the region's glorious heritage.

MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya thanked Hindustan Zinc and all partner organizations for supporting the project. He said the redeveloped stadium would be a valuable gift for the athletes of Chittorgarh and provide modern facilities that would help nurture sporting talent. He also appreciated Hindustan Zinc's continued contribution to the district's development and expressed hope for similar support in the future.

Hindustan Zinc Reaffirms Commitment to Community Development

Hindustan Zinc CEO Amarendu Prakash said it was a matter of pride to be associated with the historic land of Chittorgarh. He noted that the stories of courage and sacrifice from Chittorgarh continue to inspire people across the country and that a stadium named after Gora and Badal would strengthen the younger generation's connection with this rich heritage. He reiterated the company's commitment to social and community development and assured continued support for the district's progress.

District Collector Dr. Manju said the world-class stadium had been envisioned to provide outstanding sports infrastructure to local athletes. She appreciated Hindustan Zinc for undertaking the project under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within the stipulated timeframe. She also informed that the district administration is simultaneously developing facilities such as digital libraries to promote the educational advancement of youth.

Alok Ranjan, IBU Head of Hindustan Zinc, said the transformation of the stadium into an international-standard sports complex was a matter of great satisfaction. He explained that the project had been planned over a long period with the objective of providing high-quality sports infrastructure for students and young athletes, ensuring lasting benefits for both sportspersons and the community.

Anupam Nidhi, CSR Head of the Vedanta Group, described the project as a significant step towards strengthening the sporting culture in the district. She said Hindustan Zinc aims to provide future generations with world-class sports facilities that will enable local talent to excel at national and international levels.

The ceremony was attended by Anupam Nidhi, CSR Head of Vedanta Limited; Kishore S., COO of Hindustan Zinc; Leeladhar Patidar, CEO (Smelter); Sundar Raj Naidu, CSR Head; Kailash Gurjar, UIT Secretary and Municipal Council Administrator; along with Ratan Gadri, Sushil Sharma, Suresh Jhanwar, Raghu Sharma, Harshvardhan Singh, Gaurav Tyagi, Anil Inani, Harish Inani, Shailendra Jhanwar, Om Sharma, Naveen Patwari, Bholaram Prajapat, Sanju Laddha, Manoj Parik, Deepak Sharma, Ashish Sharma, public representatives, sports enthusiasts, and a large number of distinguished citizens.

International-Standard Sports Complex

The redeveloped Gora Badal Sports Complex will be designed in accordance with international standards and modern sports infrastructure norms. Planned as a phased multi-purpose sports facility, it will cater to sports training, tournaments, competitions, and various community and cultural events while meeting the long-term needs of the region.

Modern Facilities for Athletes

The project includes the development of a state-of-the-art football ground along with dedicated jogging and walking tracks. Separate changing rooms for male and female athletes, hygienic sanitation facilities, ample parking space, and modern security systems will also be provided to ensure a comfortable and athlete-friendly environment.

Focus on Safety, Sustainability and Green Infrastructure

Special emphasis has been placed on safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The stadium will feature CCTV surveillance, high-mast lighting, and a solar-powered electricity system. Rainwater harvesting structures, improved approach roads, renovated boundary walls, and upgraded entry and exit gates will also be developed, transforming the venue into a safe, environmentally responsible, and world-class sports destination.