Mangaluru: A new state-of-the-art swimming pool of international standards is ready for inauguration in Mangaluru city. St Aloysius College’s new pool, of Olympic standards, will be a boon to the city as it will be able to host major events. The first of its kind in the region, it meets all the standards required to hold national and international events. The eight-lane swimming pool is 50 meters long and 25 meters wide, which is sufficient for international events. According to experts, the width of the pool is sufficient for 10 lanes too.

SACAA, St Aloysius College Alumni Association, president Richard Gonsalves told media that the construction work is nearing completion with few works pending. "We are planning to organize an opening ceremony on December 19. The ceremony will be held in the presence of dignitaries, including people’s representatives and sports personalities. Though initially we planned to take up the work at an estimated cost of Rs 4.5 crore, the cost of construction increased to somewhere between Rs 7 crore and Rs 8 crore. We will soon finalize the process of issuing membership and management of the pool," he said.

The pool has a water ozonation plant, gallery, changing room, parking area and other necessary infrastructure required, apart from a baby pool. At present, all major swimming events are being held at the 50m-long pool of Mangaluru City Corporation, which has only six lanes. Certainly with a smart city tag, many such vital needs will need to be met.