Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Sports Department has undertaken a major restructuring of sports infrastructure, integrating stadiums and facilities in four cities under new collective names.
While initial reports suggested that names of stadiums linked to international players and political figures were changed, Sports Minister Rekha Arya has clarified that existing stadium names remain unchanged and only the infrastructure has been grouped under new complex names.
New sports complex names announced
On Tuesday, the Sports Department officially renamed sports infrastructures in Dehradun, Haldwani, Rudrapur, and Haridwar as part of an initiative to modernize and enhance facilities for athletes and coaches. Dehradun’s Maharana Pratap Sports College and Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, along with other sports facilities in Raipur, are now part of ‘Rajat Jayanti Sports Complex.’ Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, hockey ground, swimming pool, and multipurpose hall in Gaulapar, Haldwani, are now part of ‘Manaskhand Sports Complex.’
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Manoj Sarkar Stadium, Cycling Velodrome, and associated sports infrastructures in Rudrapur have been grouped under ‘Shivalik Sports Complex.’
Vandana Kataria Hockey Stadium, swimming pool, multipurpose hall, and all sports facilities in Roshanabad, Haridwar, are now collectively named ‘Yogasthali Sports Complex.’
Government’s sports legacy plan & upgrading facilities
Speaking on the move, Sports Minister Rekha Arya emphasized that the integration is part of the government’s ‘Sports Legacy Plan,’ aimed at enhancing coaching and training standards across Uttarakhand. The state government plans to introduce national and international-level coaches in these complexes, improving athlete development and sports performance.
Arya explained that the new names do not replace the existing stadium names but group them under broader complexes to streamline sports management. She mentioned that studies of successful sports infrastructure models across various states have guided Uttarakhand’s restructuring, with support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Clarification: No changes to existing stadium names
Following speculation that the government had renamed stadiums linked to famous sports figures and Congress leaders, Arya issued a clear statement, denying any direct renaming of stadiums or removal of established names. Manoj Sarkar Stadium in Rudrapur will continue with its existing name, though its associated infrastructure is now part of Shivalik Sports Complex. Similarly, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium and Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun Raipur remain unchanged, though grouped under Silver Jubilee Sports Complex.
Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Gaulapar and Vandana Kataria Hockey Stadium in Haridwar Roshanabad will retain their names, despite being part of new integrated complexes.
Arya stressed that claims of stadium renaming are incorrect, asserting that the move is purely administrative and aimed at improving sports infrastructure management.
Future developments & coaching appointments
The government is now focusing on appointing experienced coaches and strengthening training programs across these complexes. Authorities are working on long-term development plans, ensuring that Uttarakhand’s sports facilities can compete at national and international levels. With integrated sports complexes set to improve accessibility, training, and event organization, the government remains committed to advancing sports culture while keeping historic stadium names intact.
