Karnal: Karna Stadium’s synthetic track is giving wings to young athletes

The eight-lane synthetic track at Karna Stadium in Karnal has emerged as a major boost for budding athletes in the district, providing them with improved facilities to sharpen their skills and prepare for competitive events at state, national and international events.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 7.96 crore, the synthetic track was inaugurated on September 12, 2019, by the then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Since its inauguration, the facility has significantly improved training conditions for athletes who earlier had to practice on a muddy ground.

The demand for a synthetic track had been raised by athletes and sports enthusiasts for several years. Responding to their demand, the Khattar had first announced the project on December 14, 2016, and later laid the foundation stone on May 3, 2018. After completion, the track transformed the stadium into a modern athletics training venue.

As per the athletes, the synthetic track has brought a new look and energy to the stadium, which now attracts a large number of local athletes as well as from neighbouring states and districts. The sports officials and coaches say, more than 150 athletes practice daily on the track.

Rishi, athletic coach of the Sports Department, said earlier the athletes had to train on muddy surfaces as well as on roads, which often affected their performance and increased the risk of injuries. With the new synthetic track, athletes now have access to a standardised running surface similar to those used in national and international competitions. He says the modern facility has helped athletes improve their speed, patience, technique and performance. At present, many athletes are preparing for district, state and national-level competitions on this track, he added.

made a big difference in training. Earlier, the athletes struggled to practice during the rainy season due to the muddy ground, but now, they can train regularly without interruption,” said another coach of the stadium.

The young athletes training at the stadium also believe the facility has increased their motivation. “Practicing on a professional track gives us confidence and helps us prepare better for competitions,” said Vijeta, who won a medal in the national cross-country competition.

Simran, another athlete, who also won a medal in the national cross country, said the facility had also encouraged more youth to take up athletics. “It helped us to improve our performance on the ground,” she added. Ravi, another athlete, said with better infrastructure available in the city, the athletes like him no longer need to travel to other cities for quality training.

Atul, another athlete, echoed similar sentiments and said this track helped in shaping their skills. Coach Rishi said over the years, Karnal had produced several talented athletes who had represented the district in state, and national championships. “With the availability of the synthetic track, the district has the potential to produce even more promising sportspersons in the future,” he added.

District Sports Officer, Rajbir Ranga, said no doubt synthetic track helped in nurturing the skills of the athletes as all national, state and international events were conducted on such surfaces. Keeping it in mind, the state government has now kept a provision in the budget to construct similar synthetic tracks in all districts of the state.