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MANGALURU: The pandemic induced lockdown, caused residents at an apartment complex in Attavar to redefine their fitness goals, by upgrading the facilities in the premises. The residents of Ivory Towers, from upgrading a badminton court in August, joined hands to develop an Ivory Sports Arena, at a cost of Rs 20 lakh. Former national level football player Mohammed Rafi inaugurated the sports arena on Saturday.

Mohammed Mukthar, secretary, Ivory Towers Owners Association, told TOI, that until the lockdown was announced, everyone was so busy, that many did not even know who was staying next door.

“As the government started announcing relaxation of the lockdown, people started stepping out for walks, and getting to know each other. We started growing as a family. Since people, including children, were spending more time at home, residents felt the need to upgrade and develop new facilities. In addition, in a day, we were able to pool in Rs 1.1 lakh, that was handed over to MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for Covid relief. This is a residents’ project, and not related to the building society,” he said.

The apartment complex has around 200 flats, and nearly 50 families have volunteered for the fitness project. A team led by advocate Abbas Narsha, president, businessman A K Niyaz and footballer Khalid Mohammed, brought people together, and in August the badminton court on the 17th floor, with three courts was upgraded, at a cost of Rs 4 lakh. They have also appointed a coach, and nearly 80 people use the court every day.

Moving one step ahead, they decided to develop the sports arena, comprising a football court, that can be converted into a cricket pitch, on a 10,000 sq ft area. There is also a basketball court and a walking path for senior citizens around it. Soon, a coach for football will be appointed. Excitement is high, especially among children, including girls, due to these new amenities.

The turf has been built by Maverick Turf Corporation, Bengaluru, that is maintenance-free for the next five years. The facility is free for the residents, but a nominal fee is charged for guests, and it is open for about nine hours a day, said Mukthar.