Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that the International Sports Complex at Nathu Barkheda in Bhopal will emerge as one of the state’s largest and most ambitious sports infrastructure projects, helping position Madhya Pradesh on the global sporting map.
Being developed at a cost of ₹985.76 crore across 136.296 acres, the world-class sports complex is expected to host international sporting events and strengthen the state’s vision of becoming a major sports hub in India.
The Chief Minister inspected the ongoing construction works at the complex on Monday. He was accompanied by Sports and Youth Welfare & Cooperation Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang, Madhya Pradesh Youth Commission Chairman Praveen Sharma, Sports Secretary Sanjeev Singh, Sports Director Anshuman Yadav, senior officials, and athletes.
CM Mohan Yadav Says Sports Complex Will Give Bhopal Global Recognition
During the inspection, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the International Sports Complex would help bring international sporting competitions to Bhopal, giving the city a new identity on the global sports map.
He described the project as a milestone that would significantly contribute to making Madhya Pradesh a leading sports destination in the country.
Asian Women’s Hockey Championship to Be Held in October-November 2026
The Chief Minister inspected the international-standard synthetic hockey turf, where the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship will be held in October-November 2026.
Sports Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang informed that the first phase includes:
- An international-standard hockey stadium.
- A synthetic hockey turf.
- A 5,000-seat pavilion.
- Practice facilities for players.
The Sports Department is expected to take possession of the completed facilities soon.
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete all preparations for the championship well ahead of schedule.
Two convention centres are also being developed within the sports complex.
International Athletics Track Being Built to Global Standards
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also reviewed the construction of the synthetic athletics track and other facilities for athletes.
According to Sports Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang, the athletics stadium is being developed in accordance with the standards of the:
- International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
- Athletics Federation of India (AFI)
The athletics infrastructure includes:
- International-standard synthetic athletics track.
- 10,000-seat pavilion.
- Football stadium at the centre of the athletics arena.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure world-class facilities for both athletes and spectators.
International Sports Complex Being Developed in Three Phases
The International Sports Complex at Nathu Barkheda is being developed in three phases over 136.296 acres.
Phase 1
The first phase has been completed and includes:
- Athletics stadium with synthetic track.
- Warm-up track.
- Hockey stadium.
- Synthetic hockey turf.
- Practice hockey field.
- Pavilion and spectator facilities.
Phase 2
Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed by November 2026.
The second phase includes:
- Indoor Sports Complex.
- All-weather Swimming Complex.
- Hostel accommodation for 150 boys and 150 girls.
- Equestrian cross-country track.
- Convention centres.
Phase 3
The proposed final phase includes:
- International Cricket Stadium.
- Cycling Velodrome.
₹985.76 Crore Project Receives Administrative Approval
The Madhya Pradesh Government has sanctioned a total of ₹985.76 crore for the International Sports Complex.
Funding includes:
- ₹357.96 crore for Phase 1.
- ₹627.80 crore for Phase 2.
The investment is expected to significantly improve sports infrastructure and attract national and international sporting events to the state.
CM Interacts with Army Recruitment Candidates
During his visit, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also interacted with candidates participating in an ongoing Indian Army recruitment drive being conducted at the International Sports Complex.
Recruitment officials informed the Chief Minister that:
- 4,500 candidates have been invited for the recruitment process.
- Around 3,000 candidates are expected to be selected after physical and medical examinations.
- The recruitment process in Bhopal will continue until December 2026.
- Selected candidates will begin six months of military training from January 1, 2027.
- Recruitment is also underway for 175 Religious Teacher (Dharm Guru) posts in the Army for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister wished all applicants success and encouraged them in their journey to join the Indian Army.
Project to Strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s Sporting Ecosystem
The International Sports Complex is expected to become one of India’s premier sports infrastructure projects by providing world-class facilities for training, competitions, and athlete development. The project is aligned with the state government’s long-term vision of promoting sports excellence, hosting international tournaments, and creating better opportunities for athletes across Madhya Pradesh.
