CDA plans three sports arenas in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to establish three sports arenas in Islamabad’s D-12/1, G-11/3 Markaz and F-8 Markaz to provide residents with access to sports and fitness facilities closer to their homes and workplaces.

According to a CDA spokesman on Sunday, the proposed facilities will cover around 4.2 acres in D-12/1, 3.5 acres in G-11/3 Markaz and 3.2 acres in F-8 Markaz.

The arenas will feature indoor swimming pools, gyms, futsal courts, cricket practice cages, indoor and outdoor padel courts, basketball facilities and multipurpose sports halls. Indoor play areas for children, health bars, parking, landscaping and dedicated tracks are also planned.

The facilities are intended to cater to young people and families by providing spaces for regular physical activity, recreation and organised sports. They will also host coaching sessions, tournaments, leagues and community-level sporting events.

The initiative comes amid efforts to expand access to recreational facilities across the capital. Locating the arenas in different sectors and commercial centres is expected to make sports and fitness activities more accessible to residents.

The CDA said the projects would be financed from its own resources, with contracts awarded through open competitive bidding under the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.

The authority estimates that the projects will create around 360 jobs during construction and 92 positions during the operational phase.

CDA Chairman said the development of modern sports infrastructure was part of the authority’s vision for a healthier and more active capital, adding that the facilities would provide residents with opportunities to participate in sports, fitness and recreational activities.

The projects are being undertaken on the directions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.