The ground at Magadh Mahila College where the indoor sports complex would be constructed. Picture by Jai Prakash

Students of Magadh Mahila College in Patna would be able to hone their athletic talents at their alma mater from next year, as the educational institution is constructing an indoor sports complex.

The principal of the college, Dolly Sinha, said University Grants Commission has sanctioned Rs 21 lakh for the facility. The institution has already received half the sum.

“The foundation of the indoor sports complex would be laid in September. Experts are at present working on the design of the facility,” said Sinha.

Describing the proposed facility, she said: “A badminton court would be developed on the ground floor of the complex. On the first floor, we would have a table tennis room. There would also be space for fencing.”

Fencing is a combat sport using swords. Though no student of the college plays this sport, the administration is eager to promote the game.

Besides the facilities for games, there would be an office and guest rooms for visiting sportspersons from other colleges.

Students and teachers of Magadh Mahila College are happy with the development.

Sunny Mehta, a student of the philosophy department at the college who has taken part in many throwball competitions, said: “It is great news for me and all the students of the college who take up sports.”

Sinha said: “Many students of our college play football, cricket or throwball. But poor infrastructure has always been a hurdle for them. The new sports complex will benefit the students.”

Earlier, the students had to make do with only a ground and a basketball court.

Mitali Mitra, the physical education teacher of the college, said: “Our ground is very small. It does not have a cricket pitch. We, however, have a 200-m track. But students who take part in 400m race cannot practise in the college.”

Mitra hoped that the new sports facility would improve the sports environment in the college. “This initiative is the first step,” she said.

Other students are of the opinion that the college has a long way to go.

“I am a membert of the college cricket team. The infrastructure we have is very poor. The indoor sporting complex will not improve the environment for cricket in the college,” said Neha Kumari, a BA student.

The college principal said the infrastructure at the institution would improve gradually. “We want to improve the sports infrastructure at the college. But it will take some time,” she said.