TN Sports Minister Adhav Arjuna inaugurates renovated Anna Swimming Pool in Chennai
Chennai, July 23
The Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, Aadhav Arjuna, on Thursday inaugurated the renovated Anna Swimming Pool, refurbished for Rs 2.75 crore by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority.
The Olympic-standard facility in Chennai features a 50-metre main pool with a depth ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 metres, along with a 25-metre training (warm-up) pool.
As part of the renovation, the flooring and wall tiles have been replaced, while new pipelines, pumps, filtration systems, swimming ladders, gratings and other modern equipment have been installed to enhance safety and training standards.
A 1,500 sq ft air-conditioned gymnasium has also been established at the venue. Qualified coaches have been appointed to provide training for both competitive swimmers and the general public.
The minister said the upgraded infrastructure would provide athletes with a safe, high-quality environment for training and help promote swimming in the state.
He also noted that the state government is constructing new swimming pools at the Madurai District Sports Complex at a cost of Rs 12.50 crore and at the Karur District Sports Complex at Rs 6.27 crore. Renovation works are also underway at the Hosur swimming pool in Krishnagiri district at a cost of Rs 23 lakh and the Velachery swimming pool in Chennai at Rs 16.35 crore, taking the total investment in four swimming pool projects across Tamil Nadu to Rs 35.35 crore.
The event was attended by Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department Secretary Sandeep Nanduri, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu Member Secretary J Meganatha Reddy, and other senior government officials.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rs 2.75 crore for renovation seems reasonable for an Olympic-standard facility. But I hope the maintenance is taken care of - many public pools in Chennai become unusable within months due to poor upkeep. Let's see if TNSDA keeps this one clean and functional for the general public, not just athletes.
Great to see investments in sports infrastructure across Tamil Nadu! The Madurai and Karur projects are substantial. Hopefully the coaching quality matches the facilities. Swimming can be a life-saving skill too, not just a sport.
Finally! Anna Swimming Pool was in desperate need of renovation. I remember going there as a child - it was quite run-down. This ₹35.35 crore investment across four pools is commendable. Hope they also focus on grassroots swimming programs in schools alongside these world-class facilities. 🏊
Impressive that they've appointed qualified coaches for both competitive and recreational swimmers. That's a smart move - it'll encourage more people to take up swimming. The 50m main pool with proper depth range is exactly what serious athletes need for training.
Good work by Adhav Arjuna and the department. But we need more such facilities in suburban areas of Chennai and smaller towns, not just in the city center. The Velachery renovation is a step in the right direction. Hope the quality of work matches the budget.
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