Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2023 : The historic G.V. Raja Stadium in Kerala’s capital could soon undergo a major Rs 100-crore transformation aimed at upgrading its facilities to international standards and potentially making it suitable for hosting Olympic-level sporting events.
Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi has taken the initiative forward following discussions with senior officials of Kerala University, which owns and operates the stadium. The proposed redevelopment assumes significance amid India’s preparations for its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Gopi recently visited the stadium along with Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal. R.S. Sasikumar, Finance Member of the University Syndicate, was also present during the discussions on the proposed redevelopment.
According to Sasikumar, Gopi indicated that the Centre could provide Rs 100 crore for upgrading the stadium and developing it into a modern sporting facility capable of meeting international standards.
“Gopi pointed out that the Centre will be in a position to spare Rs 100 crore to revamp the G.V. Raja Stadium and make it fit for the Olympics, for which India has expressed its desire,” Sasikumar said.
He added that Kerala University would soon prepare a master plan outlining the proposed redevelopment. With the Union Minister also expressing support for the project, university authorities are hopeful that the stadium can eventually be transformed into a world-class sporting centre.
The proposed redevelopment comes at a time when India is seeking to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. The country has formally submitted a Letter of Intent expressing its interest in hosting the Games, with Ahmedabad proposed as the principal host city.
The International Olympic Committee is expected to select the host for the 2036 Olympics in mid-2029.
While Ahmedabad remains central to India’s Olympic proposal, the redevelopment of the G.V. Raja Stadium could provide Thiruvananthapuram with a major international-standard athletics venue and potentially allow the city to play a role in large-scale sporting events.
The stadium has previously hosted an international ODI cricket match but has suffered from years of inadequate maintenance. Its synthetic athletics track and several other facilities have deteriorated significantly, highlighting the need for comprehensive modernisation.
Kerala University is expected to prepare a detailed project report and master plan as the next step. The proposed document will determine the scope of redevelopment, infrastructure requirements and the facilities needed to bring the stadium in line with international sporting standards.
The project also carries considerable historical significance. The G.V. Raja Stadium was constructed in 1937 as part of the erstwhile University of Travancore and is now approaching nine decades of existence.
The stadium is named after Colonel Godavarma Raja, a prominent member of the Travancore royal family and one of the pioneers of Kerala’s sporting movement. He served as the founding president of the Kerala Sports Council and played a significant role in promoting athletics, cricket and football across the state.
Godavarma Raja was also associated with the early development of Thiruvananthapuram’s airport and tourism sector, contributing to the city’s growth beyond the sporting arena.
If the proposed redevelopment receives the necessary approvals and funding, the project could give the historic stadium a new lease of life while strengthening Thiruvananthapuram’s position as a sporting destination.
For Kerala University, the proposed Rs 100-crore investment could provide an opportunity to restore one of the city’s most prominent sporting landmarks and create a modern facility capable of supporting athletes, major competitions and international sporting events.
