Anna Nagar's long wait for a sports complex.

Every morning, hundreds of fitness and sports enthusiasts congregate on a ground in Anna Nagar Western Extension. But, all that the facility has to offer them is a walkers’ path and some benches.

For over seven years now, residents of Officers' Colony, Anna Nagar Western Extension have been waiting for the civic body to fulfil its promise to develop it into a sport complex. Residents recall that the land was earmarked for a playground by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board in the 1980s.

Besides hundreds of morning walkers, the 5.4-acre ground is used by school students and sports enthusiasts.

C. Venkatachalapathy, an athletics coach, said: 'I have been training 40 students in the playground that lacks a track. It becomes difficult during the rainy season when the ground becomes slushy. Students otherwise have to travel to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or Avadi police ground.' The playground would be of great use to several neighbouring schools, he added.

It is also the most sought-after place for walking and jogging by about 500 residents of neighbouring areas, . R. Suresh of TVS Colony, said 'I prefer the playground to congested roads. A full-fledged complex for indoor and outdoor games will help many youngsters.'

V. Rajagopal, a resident of Officers' Colony, said about 200 students use the playground.

The erstwhile Ambattur municipality had provided a compound wall and streetlights a few years ago. Though several inspections were made, the sports complex is yet to take shape.

Officials of the Chennai Corporation said the civic body was planning to construct the sports complex in a phased manner.

'We have completed the survey of the playground. There are plans to provide volleyball, basketball and shuttle courts and a cricket field soon,' the official added.


THE HINDU