New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) When a majority of the sports complexes in Delhi are facing scrutiny over missing deadlines, the Jamia Millia Islamia promises to finish its task well ahead of schedule and even host a few inter-state competitions as dress rehersal well ahead of the Commonwealth Games Oct 3-14.
“As part of the Commonwealth Games (CWG), we are constructing a stadium worth Rs. 45 crore (Rs.450 million). Let me assure we are on stream and well ahead of deadline,” Jamia university Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung told IANS.

“We will hand over the complex (to games authorities) by March 2010,” Jung said.

The university is the training ground for Commonwealth Games players in three disciplines - rugby, badminton and table tennis.

“The stadium is state-of-the art. It’s world class. And players will have a nice time preparing themselves.”

The Jamia sports complex, said the VC, will host at least three state level competitions from March. “We are going to hold several competitions on the above three disciplines from March-April. There will be inter-state competitions as well,” he said, asserting his commitment to make the mega sporting event a grand success.

Asked about the use of the facilities after the CWG, Jung replied: “We will use it for our students. I have a university of 19,000 students. They will use it. We have produced players like Virender Sehwag,” he said smiling about his varsity’s contribution to Indian sports.

“Jamia has a huge tradition of sports. The (sports) ground was given to us by the great Nawab of Pataudi,” he added.

Talking about his university’s other contributions to the Games, Jung said, under the National Service Scheme (NSS) Jamia has decided to send 1,000 volunteers for the CWG. These volunteers, including both male and female students in equal numbers, shall be involved in various activities related to the Games.

“Apart from the NSS part, I am also giving 1,000 more students (both male and female) to the Commonwealth Games Authority to help them in several fields and manage the Games better,” the IAS officer-turned-educationist told IANS.

The Commonwealth Games scheduled for Oct 3-14, 2010, will host over 7,000 athletes from 73 countries. Apart from Jamia, Delhi University is the other educational institution in the city where teams will practise.