Sambalpur, March 8: Residents here are happy as the municipal swimming pool is going to be handed over to the sports and youth services department soon for better management.

The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation has conveyed it to the urban development department. "Steps has been initiated for the development and proper management of the swimming pool," said Sambalpur Municipal Corporation deputy commissioner S.S. Bhoi.

The swimming pool, established in 1977, is the first competitive swimming pool of the state. However, it has been lying neglected since long. Hundreds of people, especially children come to the pool regularly to learn swimming. Besides, the students of the swimming hostel of the city also practise here.

"The swimming pool will be managed and maintained properly after it is handed over to the sports department. Besides, they will also appoint professional swimming coach there," said Bhoi.

He also said it would also be renovated soon. The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited will provide funds for the renovation work.

"More number of coaches will be appointed and the swimming pool will be maintained properly after the handover," said Rankanidhi Seth, a trainer in the Dr. Jhasketan Sahu Municipal Swimming Pool. Currently, there is only one coach and one trainer in the swimming pool.

The decision to hand over the pool has brought cheers among the sports enthusiasts. "It's an asset of the city. It has a glorious past. Several national and state-level swimming competitions were organised in this pool. It has also played a significant role in producing talented swimmers from the state, " said Supreet Thela, a sports enthusiast.

"Funds from the government can be availed after it is handed over to sports department. As a result, the all-round development of the pool will be possible," said Manas Pradhan, a local resident.