India should be equipped with a multi-utility stadium in order to conduct bigger sporting meets like the Commonwealth, Asian and Olympic Games, international planners and architects associated with major sporting infrastructures said.
Since the popularity of cricket exceeds all other sports in the country, the stadium for the 2010 Commonwealth Games should have the facilities for cricket besides other sports, Daryl Jackson, who was involved with the construction of the Telstra Dome, in Melbourne, and the upgradation of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, told PTI.
"This is important because one sport is not played throughout the year and to generate money for maintenance of the stadium you need to have events throughout the year.
"In MCG the cricket pitch is replaceable. So the stadium is also used for soccer or rugby," said Jackson, who was in New Delhi to participate in the Australia-India Forum and workshop on sports excellence.
John Pauline of PTW Architects, which has taken up several projects of Beijing Olympics, said, "If New Delhi is serious about holding the Asiad and the Olympics, the infrastructure should be built with a vision for the future."
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"The structures built for the Commonwealth Games should be landmark structures having multi-utility facilities of the highest order. For example, in Sydney Cricket Ground, soccer, day and night cricket, rugby are being played."
He also said that for the better management of venues a proper business model should be prepared.
"It involves a lot of planning. Security, transport facilities, cluster venues -- all these things need to be worked out and the next five months are very important. The selection of events along with the masterplan for the Games should be ready and the work must begin."
When asked about the existing facilities, he said they needed extensive renovation.
"All of them require extensive renovation and if India is looking to host the Asiad and the Olympics, modern and international standard facilities are required."
