Is TN Setting Up Futsal and Box Cricket Turfs to Enhance Grassroots Sports?
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Sports Department is launching an initiative to construct futsal and box cricket turfs across all districts, aiming to elevate grassroots sports and generate revenue. This project promises state-of-the-art facilities, affordable pricing, and increased accessibility for rural areas.
Key Takeaways
- The Tamil Nadu Sports Department is establishing futsal and box cricket turfs in all districts.
- Each turf will cost Rs 60 lakh and feature modern amenities.
- Facilities will remain open until 1 a.m. for late-night players.
- Booking rates will be significantly lower than private operators.
- Future expansions are planned under the Chief Minister’s Mini Stadia Scheme.
Chennai, June 26 (NationPress) To foster sports at the grassroots level and improve revenue streams, the Tamil Nadu Sports Department is set to establish futsal and box cricket turfs across all 38 districts of the state.
This initiative will involve creating turfs in the headquarters of 37 districts, while the facility in Chennai will be located at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Each turf is expected to cost Rs 60 lakh and will include markings for both futsal and cricket, complete with end-to-end nets, specialized futsal nets, and centralized lighting systems.
The facilities will also offer sufficient parking and will remain accessible until 1 a.m. to cater to late-night players. Meghanath Reddy, Member-Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), confirmed that the department will oversee the management of these turfs directly.
“We will introduce an app for bookings, inspired by private platforms. Hourly rates will be set between Rs 800 to Rs 1,000, which is significantly cheaper than the Rs 1,500 charged by private operators,” he mentioned.
Reddy emphasized that group bookings, popular among the youth, will further reduce costs.
“This initiative will provide access to modern sports infrastructure, which has been mainly available in cities, to individuals in smaller towns and rural regions,” he added.
A standard box cricket turf will span between 100 to 120 feet in length and 50 to 70 feet in width, with a net height of 20 feet. Each turf will also be outfitted with high-quality lighting to facilitate night play.
The decision is based on the successful implementation of a similar project in Chennai. The turf at Chepauk, operated by a private company known as Turf Town, generates approximately Rs 3 lakh in monthly revenue.
“They manage operations via their own app and share profits with SDAT,” Reddy stated.
In the project's second phase, more turfs will be established in village panchayats under the Chief Minister’s Mini Stadia Scheme, further broadening access to state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
Point of View
The establishment of futsal and box cricket turfs in Tamil Nadu represents a commendable effort to democratize access to sports infrastructure. It highlights a growing recognition of the importance of grassroots sports development and its potential to nurture talent in underrepresented regions.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of setting up futsal and box cricket turfs?
The main goal is to promote grassroots sports and enhance revenue generation within Tamil Nadu.
Where will the turfs be located?
Turfs will be established in all 38 districts, with Chennai's facility at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
How much will it cost to book a turf?
Hourly booking rates will range from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000, which is lower than private operators.
What amenities will the turfs offer?
Each turf will feature specialized nets, centralized lighting, parking, and will remain open until 1 a.m.
Are there plans for future expansions?
Yes, in the second phase, turfs will also be established in village panchayats under the Chief Minister’s Mini Stadia Scheme.
