Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is set to revamp two of its multi-functional sports complexes located in Ameerpet and Shaikpet. Both facilities, which have been running at a loss for the past five years, will undergo modernisation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The GHMC plans to collaborate with professional sports agencies and academies to upgrade the infrastructure and offer professional coaching programmes, with a focus on nurturing talent for national and international competitions.
The civic body currently operates 12 sports complexes, seven swimming pools, and 521 playgrounds across Hyderabad, but many facilities suffer from outdated infrastructure and mismanagement. Despite the variety of sports amenities available — including cricket, football, badminton, and gym facilities — the city’s sports complexes have failed to produce athletes capable of excelling on larger platforms. This has resulted in many serious sports enthusiasts turning to private academies. A major factor behind the poor performance is the lack of structured membership options, outdated infrastructure, and failure to meet international standards.
The proposed PPP model is designed to bridge these gaps by attracting capital investment without overburdening the public exchequer. It also aims to keep the sports complexes affordable and accessible to the public. The GHMC has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to appoint a consultant, who will be responsible for conducting a feasibility study, estimating costs, and identifying revenue-generation opportunities. The chosen agency will not only help upgrade the facilities but also introduce innovative practices from successful sports infrastructures around the world to optimise usage and create new revenue streams.
From a sustainability standpoint, this initiative aims to ensure long-term operational efficiency by balancing public accessibility with professional management. By partnering with private entities, GHMC is hoping to create a self-sustaining sports ecosystem that fosters local talent and contributes to Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a sports hub. Moreover, the modernisation will lead to better resource utilisation, eco-friendly practices, and a reduction in the government’s financial burden, making this a socially and environmentally responsible move for the city.