📰 Udhayanidhi Stalin Inaugurates ₹48 Lakh Modern Gym at Velachery AGB Sports Complex

Chennai, June 18, 2025 – In a continued push to develop world-class sports infrastructure across Tamil Nadu, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Youth Welfare & Sports Development, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, today inaugurated a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned gymnasium at the AGB (Aquatic-Gymnastics-Badminton) Sports Complex in Velachery, Chennai. Built at a cost of ₹48 lakh, this gym is tailored to support the training needs of professional and aspiring athletes.

🏋️‍♂️ High-End Facility to Shape Champions -Udhayanidhi Stalin

The new gym is equipped with modern strength and conditioning equipment, integrated cooling systems, and advanced workout amenities. It is part of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT)’s broader initiative to modernize fitness infrastructure across districts.

As part of this project, the government has allocated ₹978 lakh statewide to upgrade gymnasiums with air-conditioning, new equipment, and structural improvements—setting new standards for athlete preparation.

💬 Ground Reactions: Motivation, Pride, and Purpose – Udhayanidhi Stalin

During the inauguration, Coach Bipin, who trains young athletes at the facility, emphasized the transformative impact of this initiative:

“துணை முதல்வர் மாணவர்களில் தேவையை உணர்த்து பல்வேறு வசதிகளை ஏற்படுத்தி கொடுப்பது அவர்களின் வளர்ச்சிக்கு ஊக்கமாக இருக்கிறது.”
(“The Deputy CM’s recognition of students’ needs and his provision of these facilities greatly motivates their growth.”)

Hari Prasanna, a budding gymnast, shared:

“இந்த உடற்பயிற்சி கூடம் என்னுடைய ஜிம்னாஸ்டிக் பயிற்சிக்கு மிகவும் பயனுள்ளதாக இருக்கும்.”
(“This gym facility will be extremely useful for my gymnastics training.”)

Mirunalini, another young athlete, added with enthusiasm:

“திய உடற்பயிற்சி கருவிகள் வைத்திருப்பதால் உத்வேகத்துடன் போட்டிக்கு தயாராக முடியும்.”
(“With these modern fitness machines, I can now train more confidently and be competition-ready.”)

🧭 Beyond Inauguration: A Vision in Action – Udhayanidhi Stalin

Following the inauguration, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin also visited the SDAT hostel located within the aquatic centre. He reviewed the midday meal arrangements, inspected the residential facilities, and interacted directly with the athletes—especially female sportspersons—to understand their training journeys, challenges, and goals.

He observed high-dive and aquatic training sessions, acknowledged the athletes’ dedication, and encouraged them to pursue excellence.

👥 Dignitaries in Attendance – Udhayanidhi Stalin

Prominent leaders and officials joined the event, including:

• Thiru Ma. Subramanian, Minister for Health and Family Welfare
• Dr. Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare & Sports Development
• Thiru S. Meghanath Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary, SDAT
• Coaches, trainers, and a large contingent of young athletes and students

📢 Conclusion

This Velachery gym stands as a powerful symbol of Tamil Nadu’s commitment to empowering youth through fitness and sports. By pairing infrastructure with inspiration, the state continues to pave the way for the next generation of champions.

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