No VIP, no workout: Gym ready but lock stays on ₹70L facility

Ludhiana: Administrative delays have once again stalled the opening of a new, state-of-the-art ₹70-lakh fitness centre meant for local sports persons.

Despite misses on its initial late-April deadline and a subsequent May 9 inauguration date, the facility remains inaccessible to players because a local minister and district officials have yet to confirm a date for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The sports department and district administration funded the project directly in response to local athletes protesting the lack of proper training infrastructure. District sports officer (DSO) Kuldeep Chugh said, ”The training facilities, equipment and other materials have been provided and are already set up in the gym.

However, the delay in the inauguration of the facility happened due to some unavoidable circumstances, but now it will be available for the athletes in the coming week most likely.”

Located opposite Guru Nanak Stadium near the multi-purpose hall, the high-performance facility features premium recovery amenities like steam and sauna rooms.

Its strength-training inventory includes treadmills, spin bikes, smith machines, multi-lat pull-downs, adjustable cable crossovers, and abductor machines.

Once operational, the gym will run in two separate daily shifts for male and female athletes under the supervision of specialised sports discipline coaches. Access to the high-tech setup will be completely free of charge, provided the athletes have achieved at least a state-level ranking in their respective sports fields.