RURAL SPORTS CENTRES IN DISTRICT MUKTSAR, PUNJAB
Architect: Sarbjit Singh Bahga, Chandigarh
District Muktsar is one of the educationally backward districts of the state of Punjab. With a view to involve the youth in alternative disciplines and to create their interest in sports, the state government has decided to set up small and low budget sports centres in six Senior Secondary Schools at Doda, Kaoni, Mallan, Bhalaiana, Kot Bhai and Hari Ke Kalan. The Sports Centres have been designed on the chunks of land available in the school premises. The scope of works has been worked out in consultation with Pargat Singh, former captain of the Indian hockey team and presently the Director of Sports, Punjab. According to the client’s brief, the main emphasis has been laid on the provision of maximum numbers of play fields so as to involve more numbers of youngsters in sports activities. To economise on the cost of construction, the built-up portion has been kept to a bare minimum. A seating pavilion for 500 persons has been provided in each Centre. Provision of play fields has been made keeping in view the acceptability of the particular discipline of sports. Generally these include hockey, football, volleyball, basketball, hand ball, athletics besides kabbadi, badminton, wrestling etc. To create soothing environment in the Centres, thick plantation has been proposed along the periphery. Also it is proposed to provide underground sprinkler system for watering of grounds.
A type design has been prepared for the seating pavilion and the same has been adopted at all places to save on time and money. The pavilion though is small in size yet, it has been designed to provide the basic facilities to the players as well as the spectators. Space underneath the seating deck has been effectively utilized to accommodate changing rooms with attached toilets for two teams, a gymnasium, office and caretaker’s room. The seating deck has been covered with r.c.c. parasol roof to protect the spectators from the elements. The slanting profile of the parasol roof together with a well proportioned modernist structure below, makes the pavilion a very sculpturesque, attractive and visually appealing.

2008