The Talkatora Indoor Stadium, which is due to host boxing during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, has been officially opened as the Indian capital begins to accelerate its preparations for the biggest event to be staged there for nearly 30 years.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on inaugurated the upgraded Stadium, which cost 1.5 billion rupees (£21 million) and seating for 2,700 spectators.

Natural resources, habitat and landscape are preserved and integrated into the overall design of the stadium.

Closed-circuit television, access control for security and fire fighting alarm system in case of emergency have been provided for the entire stadium.

In the Sports Facility Block, adjacent to the stadium, a number of environmental friendly material and energy efficient devices have been used to make it a green building.

Dikshit said: "The stadium is very beautiful and has been constructed and designed, keeping in mind all the required facilities.

"All the work has been done keeping in mind ecological and environmental concerns.

"It is a green stadium by the New Delhi Municipal Council."

Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of Delhi 2010, said: "It belongs to the boxers now.

"They can come here and practice for the Commonwealth Championships.

"It's theirs.

"It's a world-class facility and meets all the requirements set by the Commonwealth Games Federation."

 

Article courtesy of insidethegames.biz