Uncertainty looms over fate of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium amid Ahmedabad’s 2036 Olympic aspirations

1 year ago

Olympics logo. (Photo Source: ICC)

Ahmedabad’s 2036 Olympic aspirations shine brightly on the horizon, but a cloud of uncertainty casts a shadow over the fate of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Stadium. Away in Navrangpura, this historic stadium, with its 63-year legacy, faces a significant crossroads.

Two divergent proposals now rest upon the desk of the Ahmedabad municipal commissioner, each offering a contrasting vision for the future. One proposition advocates for a consultant-led revitalization endeavor, backed by a budget of INR 50 crore. The alternative proposal, in contrast, advocates for the stadium’s demolition to make way for a new Olympic arena. The choices ahead stand as a defining moment for the stadium, a landmark of considerable significance.

With a big expanse of 67,000 square meters, the SVP Stadium secured a place on the World Monument Watch list in 2020, an acknowledgement of its status as an architectural marvel. This global recognition aimed to spotlight the intricate challenges involved in safeguarding not only a 20th-century gem but also a cherished public space integral to the city and the nation.

The stadium’s history shines with illustrious moments, none more significant than hosting India’s inaugural ODI match on November 25, 1981, against England. While the stadium once held the distinction of being one of the world’s largest cricketing grounds in the 1960s, it now grapples with deterioration.

“Both options are being meticulously evaluated, considering the Olympics masterplan. We will be engaging with a broad range of stakeholders initially. We are exploring the possibility of using the premises by incorporating additional sports arenas while retaining the stadium’s current structure. Simultaneously, we are assessing whether the current Olympic masterplan necessitates the construction of enhanced sports facilities at the same location while also considering the proximity between the existing Olympic facilities and the stadium,” a a senior AMC official shared was quoted by the Times Of India.

“The stadium has not been used for a year except as a cricket coaching facility. A comprehensive evaluation involving diverse perspectives will be sought to assess whether the land should make way for an Olympic arena or be preserved,” another senior official stated.

Last year, due to extensive concrete weathering, the stadium was deemed unfit for use, primarily centred around seating areas adjacent to Gates 5, 7, 12, 16, and 18. The decision at hand requires careful evaluation and consideration of diverse viewpoints.