As India intensifies preparations to position itself as a potential host for the Olympic Games in the coming years, Maharashtra has announced two major sports infrastructure projects aimed at boosting athletic development and regional readiness. The move reflects a growing focus among state authorities to align local investments with national sports ambitions.
One of the newly awarded projects involves the construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Karad. Commissioned by the Public Works Department (West), Satara, and developed for the Karad Municipal Council, the facility will be constructed over a 24-month period (excluding monsoon delays), with an allocated budget of ₹88.03 crore.
The second project will see the development of a Divisional Sports Complex in Jalgaon, commissioned by the Divisional Sports Complex Committee. With a contract value of ₹244.31 crore and an expected timeline of 36 months, this project is among the largest dedicated sports infrastructure undertakings in the region in recent years.
Both contracts have been awarded to Univastu India Ltd, an NSE-listed infrastructure firm that has built a presence across sectors like transport, healthcare, education, and sports. Company officials said the two new developments would not only cater to high-performance training but also support grassroots sports in the region.
“These state-of-the-art facilities are more than just construction projects; they are an expression of India’s Olympic aspirations,” said Pradeep Khandagale, Chairman & Managing Director of Univastu India Ltd. “We are proud to contribute to India’s sporting infrastructure, which will not only serve seasoned athletes but also empower local talent and promote grassroots development.”
The timing of these announcements also coincides with a robust financial performance by Univastu in FY25. The company reported consolidated revenues of ₹17,117.78 lakh, a significant increase from ₹12,061.41 lakh in the previous fiscal year. Net profits also saw an uptick to ₹1,551.26 lakh, with earnings per share (EPS) improving to ₹8.68 from ₹6.27.
As infrastructure emerges as a key pillar of India’s Olympic readiness, experts say the decentralisation of sporting hubs—especially in tier-2 cities—will be crucial. “It’s not just about building mega arenas in metros. Empowering districts like Karad and Jalgaon ensures that talent across India gets equal opportunity,” said a Pune-based sports consultant.
With increased state and private sector participation, India’s roadmap toward becoming a global sporting destination appears to be gaining momentum—one regional project at a time.