In the last 36 years, India has produced just one Olympic gold medallist from its population of nearly 1.3 billion. Whether it is Abhinav Bindra’s 2008 shooting gold, or the recent achievements of a young P.V. Sindhu, Sakshi Malik or Dipa Karmakar, the dismaying fact is that these sportspeople are exceptions who shone despite rather than because of the system. Though there is no dearth of sporting talent in the country, the infrastructure to nurture it is virtually nonexistent.

As poorer countries like Kenya and Jamaica consistently do far better at sporting events we cannot blame poverty; nor, with India’s mind-boggling racial diversity, can we blame our genetics. Scholars call out India’s sports culture — rather, the lack of it, as the cause for our dismal sporting performances on the world stage. While cricket gets all the attention, for all other sporting activity there is a clear lack of infrastructure, funding channels and opportunities.

Most sports infrastructure in India suffers from lack of funds and planning ... stadiums rarely have a legacy and revenue plan

With the country’s exceptional economic growth, the multi-billion dollar global sports industry is all set to make a splash in India. However most sports infrastructure in India is state-owned, and is often poorly maintained because of the lack of funds and planning. While crores are poured into building stadiums for specific events, they rarely have a legacy and revenue plan. Though intended for public use on paper, sports facilities often offer no real access to the public, rapidly losing all semblance of vitality. The time is ripe for new players to step into the sporting field.

India’s first Greenfield PPP stadium

Recognising a need for private participation in its sports infrastructure, the Government of Kerala (GoK) conceptualised an ambitious project to be promoted through the National Games Secretariat (NGS), a state government body committed to promoting and developing sport in Kerala. GoK awarded the mandate to IL&FS for implementating this project. The idea for a cutting edge international stadium in Kerala’s dynamic city of Trivandrum was born.

Built over 37 acres, The Sports Hub is a completely integrated sports and leisure complex built around an ICC and FIFA compliant stadium

The Sports Hub, Trivandrum is envisioned as a social destination generating multiple revenue streams to flow into its world class sports infrastructure. IL&FS Urban (ITUAL) led the implementation of this project through a special purpose vehicle, Karyavattom Sports Facilities Ltd (KSFL).

IL&FS set out to create a first-of-its-kind multi-sport facility that includes entertainment, retail, leisure and sports training, built around a world-class cricket-cum-football stadium. Built over 37 acres, The Sports Hub is a completely integrated sports and leisure complex unique in India. 

Trivandrum city, with its 1.1 million residents, has a distinctly youthful and sports loving profile. This initiative will give Trivandrum a much needed international stadium and add value to the vibrant sporting culture of Kerala, which has produced several international level sportspersons and gave India its first professional football club.

From hosting international matches to grassroots training

The stadium at the centre of the complex is not only ICC-compliant with three cricket pitches, but is also India’s first FIFA compliant stadium. Conforming to every safety, fire, access and comfort norm stipulated by international bodies, it has been designed to provide an international quality experience to the hosts, the performers and the viewers. With a seating capacity of 50,000 it is capable of hosting prestigious international matches for both football and cricket.

The Sports Hub houses TENVIC, set up by Anil Kumble and Vasanth Bharadwaj, which trains over 150 students every day in multiple sports

The Sports Hub was proud to host the 35th National Games of India in 2015. KSFL has tied up with event management giant World Sport Group (WSG), which will bring world-class sporting events to the venue as well as operate the retail space. As an experienced player in the field operating half a dozen sports complexes across the globe, WSG ensures at least 37 days of international and national events at the stadium. Combined with local and state level events, this brings 160 days of sporting action to The Sports Hub in addition to cultural and entertainment events.

The Sports Hub houses TENVIC, a multi-sports academy set up by legendary cricketer Anil Kumble and international table tennis champion Vasanth Bharadwaj that trains over 150 students every day. Ultra modern infrastructure and experienced professionals form the backbone of the academy to forge sporting excellence in the country.

With professionally trained and qualified coaches, and content structured by international sports icons, the academy has had over 35,000 students pass through its various coaching programmes across multiple sports. Through high quality coaching for cricket, football, tennis, badminton, table tennis, basketball and other sports, TENVIC promises to make Trivandrum one of the prominent sporting talent centres of the country.

The Sports Hub will host at least 37 days of international and national events and a total of 160 days a year of sporting action

A venue for everyone

Kerala, with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, which includes Ayurveda and traditional martial arts like Kalaripayattu, welcomes 600,000 tourists each year.

There is an Olympic size swimming pool, outdoor tennis courts, and multiple indoor courts, as well as a retail enclave and sophisticated clubhouse and convention centre

Abutting the National Highway 47, The Sports Hub is located within the campus of Kerala University, adjacent to the Laxmibai National College of Physical Education run by the Sports Authority of India. In its immediate neighbourhood, Asia’s largest IT township Technopark employs over 40,000 young IT professionals who enjoy rising income levels but lack quality recreational, sports, retail and entertainment options.

Opening ceremony of the 35th National Games of India, which The Sports Hub hosted in 2015

There is an Olympic size swimming pool, outdoor tennis courts, and multiple indoor courts each for basketball, badminton, volleyball, handball, table tennis, squash and golf.

The international standard clubhouse and the vibrant retail enclave offer numerous avenues for entertainment and social engagement for the entire family, making The Sports Hub an active year-round social destination.

With a sophisticated convention centre featuring state of the art equipment and luxurious facilities against an inspiring backdrop also the perfect venue for business meets and corporate events.

As Trivandrum transitions from its rich cultural past into a dynamic new future thanks to an increasingly cosmopolitan, aware and modern population, The Sports Hub promises to be the perfect vehicle to put the city on the national and international map.