Wi-fi stadium at Rajkot in 3 yrs

Cricket stadium at Rajkot, a 'dream project' of Saurashtra Cricket Association, is likely to turn into a reality in the next 3 years. CM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the first Wi-Fi Luxurious Cricket Stadium of the country at Khandheri village on Rajkot-Jamnagar State Highway on Thursday.

The stadium will be well-equipped to facilitate One-day International matches in its first phase. "Initially it will facilitate a sitting capacity of 30,000 to 40,000 and the cost of the first phase is estimated around Rs 30 crores," said Niranjan Shah, Secretary BCCI & SCA.

"Inspired from the ideal model of Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, we have tried to adhere to same parameters. We construct all possible amenities within the stadium to use it even when there are no matches," explained Nimit Kamdar, architect of the stadium.

"This stadium will not only facilitate sports but will equally weigh the entertainment dimension of human nature. There will be five star hotel, restaurants, hi-tech gymnasium, other sports complexes, and probably a shopping mall in long term run," Nimit added.

This is the first cricket stadium in the nation to have roofing of tensile structure, which helps minimize the casualties in case of any calamities, be it natural or man-made, said Nimit.

Modi appreciated the efforts undertake by Shah and SCA. "This part of the state has given cricketing stalwarts like Jam Ranjitsinhji and Duleepsinhji who with their contribution to the game of cricket have created a different league altogether and I'm sure with such sporting facilities such cricketing talent will soon rise from this area," marked Modi.

Apart from facilitating sports and entertainment, cricket stadium at Rajkot is the first Cricket Stadium of the nation to have Wi-Fi internet access too.

"Any spectator having Wi-Fi enabled computing devices shall be able to access internet from this device, absolutely in a wireless access mode. Any spectator while enjoying the sports event from the stadium will be able to equally justify their professional commitment and can keep their friends and relatives updated on every progressive moment taking place in the sport," said Darshan Oza, Technical Director, of NetLink IPL Services, responsible for making this stadium completely Wi-Fi.

The event was also attended by Kapil Dev and Ajay Jadeja along with some veteran cricketers from Saurashtra region.