Synthetic track to boost sports in Acharya Nagarjuna University

The eco-friendly Rs 8.86cr blue synthetic track under construction is expected to boost the sports activities in Acharya Nagarjuna University. In all likelihood, state athletic championship and national junior athletic championship events, scheduled in November, will take place on the new track under the aegis of the Athletic Federation of India(AFI), according to Dr Paul Kumar, Principal of Physical Education College, an arm of ANU.

Paul Kumar told The Hans India that the 400mt-long eight lane track will make way for hosting all the track and even field events like shot put, javelin throw, hurdles, triple jump, long jump, high jump, besides football and cricket which also could be conducted. “This is an international level blue eight lane synthetic athletic track gracing the university and most of the counties are using the conventional brick-made tracks”, he explained.

University engineer Kumara raja said that 80 per cent of the track is completed. The works commenced in August, 2015. The track building has been entrusted to NBCC(National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited) and care has been taken to ensure that it will match with the international standards. It consists of three layers from the surface and will be built with help of polyurethane adhesive rubber granules imported from Germany and the track can last for 15-20 years. Later, it can be re-laid by changing only top synthetic layer.

The track, which is said to be maintainable with a minimum cost, is designed with proper drainage facilities with a provision for an inlet and outlet. This synthetic track can even sustain in extreme weather conditions. The university engineer said that the state government has granted Rs 8cr for illumination with flood lights and this illumination job is entrusted to CPW (Central Public Works) department. The ultramodern track will be protected with fencing around from trespassers.

By Pranay Godavari