Transforming Sports Infrastructure In India

The rapid evolution of sports infrastructure in India reflects the country’s growing emphasis on creating world-class facilities for both athletes and spectators. At the forefront of this transformation is Mr. Daler Singh Mathadu, the Chairman and Managing Director of Western Outdoor Structures. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and minimalistic design, Mr. Mathadu’s work is redefining how sports infrastructure is developed and utilized.

A New Era in Sports Infrastructure

Over the past few decades, sports infrastructure in India has seen a significant shift. While earlier, the focus was primarily on the sports themselves, there is now a greater emphasis on the facilities that support them. The development of modern stadiums, particularly those with innovative roofing solutions, plays a crucial role in this shift. Western Outdoor Structures has been a key player in this arena, designing and constructing stadium roofs that not only provide shelter but also enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Mr. Mathadu’s path to his current focus of work started with an interest in the use of fabrics in structures which expanded his research to a fresh take on stadium forms. Continued desire for improvement led him to the Institute of Membrane and Shell Structures at Anhalt University, Germany making him the first Asian to be an “Archineer”. This unique combination of architectural and engineering expertise has allowed him to push the boundaries of traditional stadium design.

Innovative and Sustainable Design

One of the core philosophies driving Western Outdoor’s work is the creation of environments that are both functional and uplifting. As Mr. Mathadu emphasizes, “Sports has to be in a cheerful atmosphere, an atmosphere which makes you come out, participate, and changes your mood.” This belief is evident in the design of canopies that cover 80% of Indian sports stadiums. Unlike steel, these fabric canopies allow natural light to permeate, creating a more inviting and vibrant environment.

Some of the notable projects of Western Outdoors include the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, the Assam Cricket Stadium, and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Showcasing the company’s commitment to innovative and sustainable design, these projects use minimalistic architecture. One testament to this is the prefabricated stadium design in Guyana, West Indies, with the entire material sourced from India and costing only ¼ of traditional stadium design.

Advance Solutions for a Better Tomorrow

Flexibility is key to the future of sports infrastructure, as stated by Mr. Mathadu. Innovations like retractable roofs, such as those at Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar, represent a new benchmark, allowing stadiums to be used year-round and in any weather. Western Outdoor is collaborating with global firms to bring these innovations to India.

Looking ahead, Mr. Mathadu envisions sports infrastructure that is advanced and accessible, with standardized, transportable shells that can be reconfigured for large events and later used in smaller communities. This approach emphasizes inclusion and sustainability, addressing the diverse needs of the sports ecosystem.

Western Outdoor Structures, under the guidance of Managing Director Mr. Daler Singh Mathadu, is contributing to the evolution of sports facility construction both in India and globally. Integrating design solutions with economic efficiency, ergonomics, and environmental considerations to set new industry standards that address present needs while anticipating future requirements.