Sambalpur, Nov. 22: The civic body's aim for infrastructure development to boost sporting activities is close to fruition with work on five mini stadiums here nearing completion. The apart, work on a sports complex is also set to begin shortly.

The five mini stadiums are being developed at Dengimocha, Themra, Dhankauda, Mandlia and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose College ground within the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation limits.

The civic body's deputy commissioner Sudhansu Bhoi said: "The sports department provided funds for the development of the five mini stadiums in the area. The work is likely to be completed by the end of November."

Work on the much-awaited sports complex is also likely to begin shortly and the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited has already approved Rs 25 crore for the project.

The complex will be developed on 18 acres near Hirakud railway station with the civic body approaching the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) to execute the project.

Land levelling and work on the boundary wall have already been completed for an estimated Rs 80 lakh.

The sports complex will accommodate separate swimming pools for adults and kids, an athletic track, a football field, administrative buildings and hostels for both boys and girls.

The sports complex will also provide facilities for water sports, according to sources.

According to sources, there are plans to relocate the College of Physical Education from Kulundi in Jamankira block to the complex.

Earlier, the civic body built an indoor hall on the premises of the Veer Surendra Sai Stadium to provide a place for badminton players to practise anmd is already attracting large number of players from the city.

The Idco has also renovated the city's swimming pool for an estimated Rs 5 crore. The five mini stadiums and the sports complex are expected to add much needed impetus to sports activities in the city.

"There are a handful of playgrounds here now. The mini stadiums will help promote sporting activities. Athletes from the locality will also be able to avail of several facilities in one complex after the proposed sports complex is completed. They will get better infrastructure and training, which will enable them to compete in national and international sporting events," said district athletic association secretary Dulal Chandra Pradhan.