Delhi's iconic stadium makes way for modern Olympic-ready complex.

It’s the end of an era for one of India’s most recognisable sporting landmarks. The iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi is slated to be dismantled as part of a grander vision to construct a state-of-the-art 'Sports City' spanning 102 acres.

According to sources from the Sports Ministry, this ambitious massive infrastructure upgrade is directly linked to India's growing aspirations to host the Olympic Games in 2036. The goal is to replace the aging structure with world-class facilities that meet the rigorous standards required for global mega-events.

Officials are currently studying successful modern sporting ecosystems from countries like Qatar and Australia to understand how best to design this new multipurpose hub. The proposed Sports City aims to feature elite training centres, upgraded competition venues, and high-performance zones tailored specifically for athletes.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has been a cornerstone of Indian sports history for over four decades. Originally constructed for the 1982 Asian Games, it later underwent significant renovations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. It has hosted countless major events, from international athletics and football matches to large-scale concerts and Independence Day celebrations.

Interestingly, the venue recently received a significant upgrade earlier this year, with a new mondo track laid at a cost of nearly Rs 30 crore to host the World Para Athletics Championships.

While the plan marks a major shift in India's sporting landscape, there is currently no fixed timeline for when the dismantling will begin. Construction on the new Sports City will only commence once all assessments are finalised and the ultimate blueprint is approved by authorities.

Image Source: Sportsmatik