Footballer IM Vijayan spearheads the football passed by Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman during the inauguration of the IM Vijayan Sports Complex at Lalur in Thrissur on Monday. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB
Once infamous as a dumping ground, Lalur in Thrissur has made history by transforming into a world-class sports complex. The first phase of the IM Vijayan International Sports Complex, named after the legendary footballer from Thrissur district, was inaugurated on Monday.
Minister of Sports V. Abdurahiman inaugurated the complex. Mayor MK Varghese presided over the ceremony. IM Vijayan was the chief guest.
Jointly developed by the Thrissur city Corporation and the state sports department, the complex is hailed as one of the best sports facilities in India. Built on 14 acres of land owned by the company, the project was implemented under the supervision of KITCO with financial support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Out of the total administrative sanction of ₹70.56 crore for the KIIFB project, it awarded ₹56.01 crore.
The first phase of the project offers world-class facilities, including a 5,000-seat indoor stadium. The 85,318-square-foot structure houses courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and handball. It also includes two dormitories, guest rooms, a gym, a VIP lounge, a medical room and 53 toilets.
Other facilities include a FIFA standard synthetic football pitch, an ITF standard acrylic tennis court and an aquatics complex with a 25m x 12.5m practice pool along with a pavilion and administration block. Water supply is provided by an upper tank with a volume of 45,000 liters and an underground tank with a volume of 4,75,000 liters.
Preparations are already underway for the second stage, which will include a hockey field and a residential block for athletes and coaches.
Published – 03 Nov 2025 20:27 IST
