TN govt to establish World-Class Olympic City and Motor Sports City in Chennai

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government will establish a world-class Tamil Nadu Olympic City in Chennai through the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, according to an announcement by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in the assembly on Thursday.

The Olympic City will feature world-class sports arenas, advanced sports equipment and a High Performance Training Centre. It will also have facilities for sports medicine and sports development, besides accommodation for athletes and coaches, the announcement said.

The initiative is aimed at creating an integrated sports ecosystem to provide athletes with advanced training and support facilities. It is expected to help Tamil Nadu sportspersons win more medals at the Olympic Games and other international sporting events.

The government said the project would also help nurture talented athletes capable of winning Olympic medals and further strengthen Tamil Nadu's position in the international sporting arena.

Motor Sports City in the works

The State government will establish a Motor Sports City to enhance sports tourism, encourage motor sports and help Tamil Nadu become a vital centre for the sport, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said. “The city will have an international-standard track along with modern infrastructure for conducting Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 4 races,” the CM said.

The State currently has two motor sports facilities, at Irungattukottai near Chennai and in Coimbatore, for national-level F-3 and F-4 car races. “The motor racing arenas could boost tourism, industries for race cars and job opportunities,” he said.