Chennai’s Semmenchery Set to House India’s Largest Global Sports City

The Tamil Nadu state government has launched an ambitious plan to construct an advanced Global Sports City in Chennai. Located in Semmenchery, just off the busy Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), this project aims to transform approximately 105 acres of prime urban land into a world-class multi-sport environment. The proposed facility, currently being fast-tracked by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in coordination with TIDCO and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), is being addressed as the largest of its kind in the state’s history.

The choice of location is no accident. Semmenchery, positioned near Sathyabama University on OMR, offers proximity to Chennai’s IT corridor, rapidly expanding infrastructure, and access to the upcoming metro lines. This ensures that the facility will not only be accessible for athletes and spectators alike but will also accelerate the socio-economic growth of its surroundings. Semmenchery emerged as the front-runner due to its connectivity and development potential.

With an estimated cost of ₹700 crore, the Global Sports City is set to be a cornerstone of Tamil Nadu’s ₹1,000 crore sports infrastructure budget outlined in the year 2023-24. The ₹1,000 crore fund is being used for various upgrades across the state. A detailed project report and a techno-economic practicability study have already been ordered, with tenders floated to identify capable consulting agencies. The CMDA expects conceptual and financial planning to conclude swiftly, with a vision of kickstarting construction in phases within the next year.

According to the proposed master plan, the complex will include an open-air stadium capable of hosting large-scale international events, Olympic-sized swimming pools, velodromes for cycling, natural turf football fields, synthetic athletic tracks, indoor sports arenas, multi-sport academies, training zones, and dormitories. There is also an emphasis on developing infrastructure to support spectators, such as galleries, hospitality facilities, and seamless transport connections. These features are designed not only to support athletes but also to nurture young talent from the ground up, with early training programs and professional coaching infrastructure included as part of the broader plan.

Environmentally friendly and sustainable urban planning are crucial to this vision. The state is working on ensuring strong infrastructure in and around the complex underground drainage, water supply, stormwater management, and road widening will all be implemented in a cycle with sports facility construction. The plan also aligns with Chennai’s broader urban strategy, including the OMR metro corridor and future grid-based road layouts.

The economic implications are equally important. Real estate experts predict a spike in land values around Semmenchery, while having more employment opportunities, both direct and indirect, will see an uptick during and after construction. The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs during the building phase and sustain many more through facility operations, sports tourism, retail, and events. Moreover, the city’s potential to host national and international competitions could eventually make it a preferred sporting destination in South India.

Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Mr Udhayanidhi Stalin have shown a special interest in the project, highlighting the government’s commitment to making Tamil Nadu a sports hub. His vision not only demonstrates political resolve but also highlights a growing recognition that sports can serve as a powerful tool for youth engagement in sports.