Government to set up International Gymnastic Hall in six months

The state government is mulling to set up an International Gymnastic Hall in the city. This came on the day when the state government felicitated gymnast Dipa Karmakar in a programme organised by the state Youth Services and Sports department at Netaji Indoor Stadium.

It may be recalled that the gymnast from Agartala in Tripura, who became famous after her Produnova vault in 2016 Olympic, had to travel to Delhi as there was no infrastructure to carry out practice to participate in international level competitions.

Thus, the Mamata Banerjee-government has taken the initiative to set up an International Gymnastic Hall in Kolkata where not only the gymnasts from the state but from the entire eastern region would get an opportunity to build their career in gymnastics.

Wishing all success to Karmakar, Banerjee said that she told Dipa that entire Bengal is with her and the state will extend all sorts of support for her success. Karmakar later said: "I am really happy and feeling good as the Chief Minister assured me of all support." It has been learnt that the state government has given the responsibility to prepare an initial plan to former gymnast Dilip Das and Dipa's coach Bishweshwar Nandi. Subsequently, the detailed project report will be prepared and the International Gymnastic Hall will be ready in another six months.

Usually, only 30 to 40 metre is needed. But for the International Gymnastic Hall some more land will be required as there will be at least four to five set ups under one umbrella. Equipment will be brought from France. Nandi said that it is a great initiative as it will not only help the people of Bengal but also the entire eastern region. There are many enthusiasts of gymnastic in Bengal and with setting up of the International Gymnastic Hall, many world class players will come up from the state and this part of the country.