The Tamil Nadu government has approved Rs 261 crore for the establishment of a Global Sports City in Semmancheri, featuring FIFA-standard football turf and facilities for a range of sports, including shooting, archery, water sports, and skating. 

The announcement was made through a government order (GO) issued by the Youth Welfare and Sports Department on October 27. Rs 30 crore has been allocated for the current financial year (2025-26), with the remaining Rs 231 crore set for the next year. The project, first announced during the 2023-24 Budget session, aims to make Chennai a hub for international sporting events.

The 42.2-acre facility will also feature a lake for water sports and rainwater conservation. "The facility will transform Chennai into a preferred destination for global sporting events," said a government spokesperson. The decision follows a techno-economic feasibility study led by Knight Frank and Collage Design.