In a major development for the sports infrastructure in Punjab, Member of Parliament Ravneet Singh Bittu Arora inaugurated a cutting-edge table tennis complex at the historic Rakh Bagh in Ludhiana. The complex, which has been constructed at a cost of ₹161 crore, marks a significant investment in the promotion of sports and the nurturing of young talent in the region. The inauguration ceremony was held with much fanfare, drawing athletes, political dignitaries, local residents, and sports enthusiasts from across the state. The project is expected to not only encourage professional training in table tennis but also serve as a multipurpose sports facility for budding athletes from various disciplines.
Speaking at the event, MP Arora emphasized the importance of world-class sports infrastructure in transforming Punjab into a hub of national and international athletic excellence. He stated that the development of such a sophisticated table tennis complex is in line with the government’s broader vision of reviving Punjab’s legacy as a land of champions. Arora further reiterated the government’s commitment to developing similar sports complexes across other districts to ensure equitable access to modern training facilities.
The Rakh Bagh Table Tennis Complex boasts international standards in both design and amenities. Equipped with Olympic-grade flooring, climate control systems, professional-grade lighting, and advanced scoring and video analysis tools, the facility is designed to host national-level tournaments and training camps. It features more than a dozen playing tables, a fitness zone, physiotherapy centers, dormitory facilities for outstation players, and a spectator gallery with a seating capacity exceeding 500. The infrastructure is supported by solar-powered utilities and rainwater harvesting systems, making it an environmentally responsible project as well.
According to officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, the complex will be managed by a dedicated administrative and coaching staff. Special training camps will be conducted throughout the year for school and college students. There are also plans to introduce community programs where citizens, irrespective of age, can receive coaching in table tennis as a recreational sport. This inclusive approach reflects the administration’s belief in sports as a tool for social empowerment, mental health, and community building.
Ravneet Singh Bittu Arora also took the opportunity to reflect on the long journey that led to the completion of the Rakh Bagh project. Initially proposed four years ago, the project faced multiple delays due to procedural hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the collective efforts of local authorities, state sports departments, and passionate volunteers ensured its timely completion once work began in earnest last year. The MP expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders, including engineers, architects, athletes, and civic bodies, for turning a vision into a tangible, transformative space.
The inauguration witnessed performances by school children and a special table tennis exhibition match featuring some of the state’s finest players, who were excited to be among the first to play in the new facility. National coach Rajeev Mehra, who was present at the event, applauded the quality of the infrastructure and noted that the venue is capable of hosting international coaching camps and tournaments. He also praised the state’s focus on grassroots-level talent, suggesting that the facility could become a breeding ground for future Olympic medalists.
Residents of Ludhiana expressed their excitement and gratitude for the new addition to Rakh Bagh, which has historically been one of the city’s most cherished green spaces. The park is now home to a blend of natural beauty and modern sports architecture. Local vendors, hoteliers, and businesses have also welcomed the project, anticipating a boost in tourism and commerce, especially during major tournaments. Experts believe the complex will have a ripple effect, inspiring similar projects in other urban and semi-urban areas of Punjab.
MP Arora also announced that in the coming months, the government will unveil a mentorship program where renowned players from Punjab and beyond will visit the complex and interact with young talent. The mentorship initiative will involve workshops, fitness camps, motivational talks, and scouting programs aimed at identifying and nurturing prodigious players from underrepresented areas. These efforts are expected to help diversify Punjab’s sporting landscape, which has traditionally focused on wrestling, kabaddi, and hockey.
The state government’s increasing emphasis on sports infrastructure is part of a larger effort to combat drug abuse and unemployment by promoting healthy lifestyles and productive engagement among the youth. Through partnerships with NGOs, educational institutions, and national sports federations, the government aims to use such facilities as not just training grounds but also platforms for social reform. The Rakh Bagh complex is set to function as a model for how sports can be woven into the cultural and economic fabric of a region.
As the inauguration ceremony concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and pride in the air. With flashbulbs going off, children holding rackets in hand, and coaches exchanging notes, the atmosphere was charged with hope. MP Arora, after unveiling the commemorative plaque, walked through the entire complex, taking time to interact with players and coaches. His closing remarks underscored his belief that sports are a powerful tool for peace, progress, and prosperity, and that investments in facilities like the Rakh Bagh Table Tennis Complex would yield dividends for generations to come.
In the months to follow, the complex will begin operating on a full-time basis, with a calendar already being developed to host state and zonal-level matches. Registration for coaching batches has already begun, with overwhelming response from young players. The government also plans to document and promote the complex on national platforms, potentially attracting partnerships and sponsorships from corporate entities committed to supporting grassroots sports in India.
With this inauguration, Punjab has taken a substantial step forward in redefining its sports culture and infrastructure. The Rakh Bagh Table Tennis Complex stands not only as a symbol of modern development but also as a beacon of hope for thousands of aspiring athletes who now have the opportunity to dream big and train better, right from the heart of Ludhiana.