#SPORTS FIRST . Madhya Pradesh’s Largest International Sports Complex Takes Shape in Bhopal .

₹985.76 Crore Mega Project to Position MP as India’s Next Sports Hub

Bhopal is set to emerge as one of India’s premier sporting destinations with the development of the International Sports Complex at Nathu Barkheda. With a total investment of ₹985.76 crore, the project is the largest and most ambitious sports infrastructure initiative undertaken by the Madhya Pradesh government to date.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the state-of-the-art complex will enable Madhya Pradesh to host international sporting events and establish Bhopal on the global sports map.

Project Spread Across 136 Acres

The International Sports Complex is being developed over 136.296 acres in three phases. The first phase has been completed, while the second phase is scheduled for completion by November 2026. The third phase will include a world-class cricket stadium and a cycling velodrome.

Asian Women’s Hockey Championship to Be Hosted

The completed first phase features a modern hockey stadium with a 5,000-seat pavilion and a synthetic hockey turf. The venue is set to host the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship in October-November 2026, marking Bhopal’s entry into the international sports calendar.

World-Class Sporting Facilities

The upcoming infrastructure includes an international-standard athletics stadium with a 10,000-seat capacity, built in accordance with the standards of the International Athletics Federation and the Athletics Federation of India. A football stadium will be developed within the athletics arena.

The project also includes two convention centres, an indoor sports complex, an all-weather swimming complex, separate hostels for 150 male and 150 female athletes, and an equestrian cross-country track.

Three-Phase Development Plan

• Phase I: Hockey Stadium, Synthetic Hockey Turf, Athletics Track and Pavilion.

• Phase II: Indoor Sports Complex, All-Weather Swimming Complex, Athlete Hostels and Equestrian Cross-Country Track.

• Phase III: Cricket Stadium and Cycling Velodrome.

₹985.76 Crore Approved

The state government has approved ₹357.96 crore for the first phase and ₹627.80 crore for the second phase, taking the total administrative approval for the project to ₹985.76 crore.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the mega project will provide world-class infrastructure to athletes, encourage sports excellence, attract international competitions, and transform Madhya Pradesh into a leading sports destination in India.